Uses
What is Biktarvy used for?
Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Learn more about How Biktarvy Works for HIV Infection.
Biktarvy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Biktarvy work (mechanism of action)?
Biktarvy contains three medicines: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. They work together to stop the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in your body.
How is Biktarvy supplied (dosage forms)?
Biktarvy is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 30 mg/120 mg/15 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg oral tablets
How should I store Biktarvy?
Oral Tablets. Biktarvy oral tablets should be stored in the original container at a temperature below 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dry place, and keep the container tightly closed. The bottle has a desiccant that will protect the medicine from moisture and keep it dry. Do not remove the desiccant from the bottle or eat the desiccant.
Blister Packs. Biktarvy blister packs should be stored in the original container at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Biktarvy?
The most common side effects of Biktarvy are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
There may be other side effects of Biktarvy that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Biktarvy?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Biktarvy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Immune System Changes. When you start Biktarvy, your immune system might get stronger and start fighting infections that have been hiding inside your body for a long time. The type of symptoms you may have will depend on the infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms of infection.
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vision problems
- Confusion, problems talking, or headache
- Skin problems such as a painful rash or warts
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Weakness or coordination problems
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Biktarvy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Lactic Acidosis. Biktarvy may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking Biktarvy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.
- General ill feeling
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Biktarvy. This can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Allergic Reactions. Biktarvy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Biktarvy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Biktarvy?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Biktarvy.
- Biktarvy
- Bictegravir
- Emtricitabine
- Tenofovir alafenamide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Biktarvy.
Drug Interactions. Biktarvy should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Biktarvy, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Biktarvy before using it?
Do not take Biktarvy unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Biktarvy with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
While Biktarvy can help keep the HIV infection under control, it does not cure it. Also, Biktarvy does not help protect against or prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia.
Keep Biktarvy out of the reach of children.
Taking antacids or supplements with Biktarvy can make it not work as well. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to take antacids and supplements while taking Biktarvy.
If you have HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Biktarvy can cause a serious flare-up, or worsening, of your hepatitis B. Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B before or when starting this medicine. Do not run out of Biktarvy or stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you have HIV and hepatitis B and stop taking Biktarvy, keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can check the health of your liver.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Biktarvy?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Biktarvy is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Medical Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems, including hepatitis B
Pregnancy. Biktarvy may be used by certain people during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Biktarvy, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of HIV medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Biktarvy passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while taking Biktarvy and having HIV.
How can I get more information about Biktarvy?
For more information about Biktarvy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.biktarvy.com or call them at 800-445-3235.
Interactions
Does Biktarvy interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Biktarvy and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Biktarvy.
Does Biktarvy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Biktarvy.
- Dofetilide, a medicine used for irregular heart rhythm
- Rifampin (Rifadin) or rifapentine (Priftin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex disease
- Any other medicine for HIV or AIDS
- A medicine to control seizures
- Any medicine for treating a viral infection
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Any aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as amikacin or gentamicin, which is given by injection to treat infections
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Any antacid or supplement containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or iron
- Sucralfate, a medicine commonly used for stomach ulcers
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Biktarvy, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Biktarvy. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Biktarvy?
If you or someone else has used too much Biktarvy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Missing doses of Biktarvy can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.