What is Biktarvy? Uses, warnings & side effects

Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Family Physician
Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020
Datos Verificados

Biktarvy is the brand name of a combination medication tablet used to treat HIV infection. It comes in tablet form in two strengths and contains three HIV medications: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. People who take Biktarvy who also have Hepatitis B should be aware that the hepatitis may get worse if Biktarvy is stopped.

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Biktarvy overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Biktarvy

Generic Names:

  • Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide

Uses:

  • Treatment of HIV infection

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiviral, anti-infective agent, reverse transcriptase inhibitor combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Biktarvy used for?

Biktarvy combines three HIV medications into one tablet that is taken once a day. It may be used to start HIV treatment or to replace multiple pills in some people who are already taking HIV medications.

Key takeaways

  • Biktarvy combines three HIV medications in one tablet. It is taken once a day, at around the same time.

  • Biktarvy may be taken by adults and children with HIV infection who weigh more than 25 kilograms (around 55 pounds).

  • Biktarvy is a powerful treatment for HIV. But if any HIV medication is not taken regularly, there’s a greater chance that the virus may develop resistance to treatment.

  • Most people take Biktarvy without experiencing serious side effects. But it’s not right for everyone. In particular, people who have Hepatitis B should be aware that hepatitis may get worse if Biktarvy is stopped.

What form(s) does Biktarvy come in?

  • Combination tablet

    • 50 mg of bictegravir, 200 mg of emtricitabine, 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

    • 30 mg of bictegravir, 120 mg of emtricitabine, 15 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

What are common Biktarvy dosages?

Biktarvy doses are based on age and weight:

  • Standard dosage for adults and children who weigh more than 25 kg: One 50/200/25 mg tablet taken once per day

  • Standard dosage for children who weigh 14–24 kg: One 30/120/15 mg tablet taken once per day

Biktarvy images - What does Biktarvy look like?

  • Biktarvy
    30 tablets bottle

  • Biktarvy
    30 tablets box

How to take Biktarvy

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Biktarvy combines three different HIV medicines, so it is not taken with other medications that treat HIV. 

  • Take Biktarvy around the same time every day. It may be taken with or without food.

  • If children are unable to swallow a whole tablet, it may be split. But both halves should be taken within 10 minutes.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in its original container.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Biktarvy

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Biktarvy contraindications - Who shouldn't take Biktarvy?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to bictegravir, emtricitabine, or tenofovir alafenamide.

Biktarvy warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease (including hepatitis B).

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause other autoimmune health conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:

    • Worsening of hepatitis B infection (if the medicine is stopped)

    • New or worsening kidney problems

    • Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood)

    • Liver disease

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to others. Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles or other items that may have blood or body fluids on them.

  • Do not breastfeed. HIV can be passed on through breast milk.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Biktarvy interactions & what to avoid when taking Biktarvy

Before taking Biktarvy, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you take. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements. 

Biktarvy side effects - How does Biktarvy make you feel?

It’s important to know if you have Hepatitis B when you’re taking Biktarvy. If you stop Biktarvy, the Hepatitis B may get worse. 

Other serious side effects may include:

  • Too much lactic acid in the blood

  • Severe allergic reactions

  • Liver problems

  • Kidney problems

  • Inflamed pancreas

  • Autoimmune reactions

Less serious but more common side effects include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

  • Headache

When taking Biktarvy, call a healthcare provider or go to a hospital if you have:

  • Little or no urine or very dark urine

  • Fevers or severe weakness or fatigue

  • Trouble breathing, confusion, or severe dizziness

  • Itching or hives, swelling in your mouth or throat, or a red, peeling skin rash

  • Severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, or yellow skin and eyes

Sources:

Biktarvy News & Research

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Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
Board-Certified Family Physician

Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family physician, writer, editor, teacher, and consultant. She is a graduate of University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and trained at West Suburban Family Medicine in Oak Park, Illinois. She later completed a fellowship in community medicine at PCC Community Wellness and a master's in Public Health at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She lives with her family near Chicago.

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