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 doses?
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
Common Biktarvy prescriptions
Biktarvy
30 tablets bottleBiktarvy
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
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
Before taking Biktarvy, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you take. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements.
Do not take Biktarvy if:
You take the heart rhythm medicine dofetilide
You take the tuberculosis antibiotic rifampin.
You take other medicines to treat HIV
Take this medicine on an empty stomach 2 hours before using any antacid that contains aluminum, magnesium, or calcium.
Some medicines can interact with Biktarvy. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, gentamicin, metformin, rifabutin, rifapentine, St John's wort, valacyclovir, valganciclovir
Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)
NSAIDs or other pain reliever medicines
Calcium or iron supplements
Biktarvy side effects
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
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