Medication Overview
Biktarvy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children. It is a combination of three antiretroviral drugs—bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide—which work together to prevent the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. Biktarvy is used to reduce the amount of HIV in the blood, helping the immune system function better and decreasing the chance of developing HIV-related complications.
Who Should Consider Biktarvy?
Biktarvy is appropriate for adults and children who:
- Have HIV-1 infection and have never been treated with HIV medications (antiretroviral therapy-naive).
- Are virologically suppressed (have undetectable HIV levels) on a stable antiretroviral regimen and want to switch to Biktarvy to simplify treatment.
- Require once-daily treatment for HIV that combines three medications into a single pill.
How is Biktarvy Administered?
Biktarvy is taken as a once-daily oral tablet, with or without food. It contains a combination of bictegravir, an integrase inhibitor, and emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The three medications work together to block different stages of the HIV replication process.
Important Information for Biktarvy Users
- How to Use: Take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed, once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Storage: Store Biktarvy at room temperature, in its original container, away from moisture and heat.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and fatigue. If you experience severe symptoms or side effects such as liver problems or new or worsening kidney issues, seek medical attention.
- Monitoring: Regular blood tests may be necessary to monitor your liver and kidney function, as well as to check for continued viral suppression.
Medication Warnings
- Drug Interactions: Biktarvy may interact with certain medications, including those used to treat hepatitis, tuberculosis, and seizures, as well as some antacids. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) Reactivation: If you are co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Biktarvy may cause severe worsening of hepatitis B. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function and may adjust your treatment accordingly.
- Lactic Acidosis and Severe Liver Problems: In rare cases, Biktarvy may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) or severe liver problems, especially in individuals with a history of liver disease. Report any symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or dark urine to your healthcare provider.
- Kidney Problems: Biktarvy may affect kidney function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. Your healthcare provider will monitor kidney function throughout treatment.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Take Biktarvy?
Suitable Candidates:
- Adults and children with HIV-1 infection who are treatment-naive or have stable viral suppression and want to switch to a simplified regimen.
- Those seeking a once-daily combination pill that includes three active ingredients.
Unsuitable Candidates:
- Individuals with a history of severe kidney disease or liver disease, unless carefully monitored by a healthcare provider.
- Patients taking medications that may interact with Biktarvy, unless alternative treatments or close monitoring can be arranged.
- Those with untreated hepatitis B without consulting a healthcare provider about the best treatment approach.
For more detailed information and personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.
