Biktarvy should be taken orally once daily with or without food. The recommended dosage in adults and children weighing 25 kg or more is one tablet daily, consisting of:

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

Patient should take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It should not be missed to take the drug in order to have an effective effect.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose.

Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Biktarvy is not preferred in individuals with severe liver disease or patients co-infected with hepatitis B and HIV because this medication may interact with such patients. Patients will need frequent visits to a healthcare provider for monitoring their liver condition and the performance of this drug.

Biktarvy acts through a multi-targeted mechanism by leveraging the three components that function at different stages of the HIV lifecycle:

Bictegravir: Bictegravir is an integrase inhibitor, which means it prevents the HIV virus from integrating its genetic material into the host’s DNA. The HIV virus needs this integration to replicate and multiply. By blocking this critical step, bictegravir helps prevent the virus from multiplying.

Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide: Both of these drugs are reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme that HIV requires to convert its RNA into DNA. By inhibiting this enzyme, these two components stop the virus from making the DNA copy it needs to replicate and spread throughout the body.

Together, these three drugs provide a comprehensive blockade against the HIV virus, suppressing its ability to replicate and spread to other cells. This not only lowers the viral load in the body but also helps improve the patient’s immune function, ultimately decreasing the risk of HIV progression to AIDS.

Biktarvy, like any medication, may cause side effects, but not everyone may experience them. Some common side effects include:

Headache: This is one of the most common side effects of patients using Biktarvy.

Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal conditions, such as diarrhea, may be experienced while on Biktarvy. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet may reduce the severity of this side effect.

Nausea: Patients may feel nausea, especially when first starting the medication.

Fatigue: Patients may experience drowsiness or tiredness as the body adapts to the medication.

Hepatitis B Co-Infection: Biktarvy is contraindicated in the patients who have hepatitis B or are co-infected with both HIV and hepatitis B. Stopping Biktarvy can cause a flare-up of hepatitis B that can lead to liver complications. Patients with hepatitis B should consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Biktarvy.

Regular follow-ups for liver and kidneys while using Biktarvy should be checked especially in patients who may have pre-existing issues regarding livers and kidneys.

Pregnancy Category: The safety of Biktarvy during pregnancy has not been determined. You should consult with your doctor regarding this drug, its benefit and risks in relation to the pregnancy.

Drug Interactions: Although Biktarvy contains a relatively small amount of potential drug interaction risk, it can interact with other prescribed drugs. Ensure you include all the prescription medications or over-the-counter medications on your list for discussion at your next consultation.

Rifampin Interaction: Rifampin, a potent inducer of liver enzymes, can reduce the effectiveness of Biktarvy by lowering blood levels of its components. It’s advised to avoid this combination.

Antacids: Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of Biktarvy. It’s recommended to take Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids.

Carbamazepine: This anticonvulsant may lower Biktarvy levels, potentially compromising its effectiveness. Monitoring and dose adjustments are recommended.

Protease Inhibitors: Co-administration with protease inhibitors like atazanavir or lopinavir may increase Biktarvy concentrations, requiring careful monitoring to avoid toxicity.

 For the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients and pediatric patients of at least 25kg, the usual dose is

One tablet of 50 mg bictegravir, 200 mg emtricitabine, 25 mg tenofovir alafenamide taken once daily.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.

Biktarvy is a prescription-only medication, and only a healthcare provider should be involved in prescribing it. Patients should follow up regularly to monitor viral load, liver function, kidney function, and overall treatment progress.

1. What is Biktarvy?

   • Biktarvy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children who weigh at least 25 kg.

2. What are the active ingredients in Biktarvy?

   • Biktarvy contains three active ingredients: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.

3. How does Biktarvy work?

   • Biktarvy works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme and integrase, which are essential for the replication of the HIV virus.

4. What is the recommended dosage for Biktarvy?

   • The typical dosage for adults and adolescents is one tablet taken orally once daily.

5. How should Biktarvy be taken?

   • Biktarvy can be taken with or without food, but it’s important to take it at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.

6. What are the common side effects of Biktarvy?

   • Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

7. Can Biktarvy be used during pregnancy?

   • Biktarvy can be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Discuss with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

8. Is Biktarvy safe for children?

   • Yes, Biktarvy is approved for use in children weighing at least 25 kg, but dosing should be determined by a healthcare provider.

9. 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’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

10. Can I stop taking Biktarvy suddenly?

    • No, stopping Biktarvy abruptly can lead to a rebound in viral load. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.

11. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

    • Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience severe side effects, such as signs of liver problems or severe allergic reactions.

12. Does Biktarvy interact with other medications?

    • Yes, Biktarvy may interact with other medications, including certain antacids and supplements. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.

13. How often should I get tested while on Biktarvy?

    • Patients typically need regular testing for HIV viral load and kidney function while taking Biktarvy. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule.

14. How effective is Biktarvy in treating HIV?

    • Clinical trials have shown that Biktarvy is highly effective at reducing HIV viral load to undetectable levels when taken as prescribed.

15. Can Biktarvy prevent HIV transmission?

    • While Biktarvy effectively controls HIV in those who are infected, it is not approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in uninfected individuals.

16. Will Biktarvy cure HIV?

    • No, Biktarvy does not cure HIV. It effectively manages the virus, allowing individuals to live healthy lives, but lifelong treatment is necessary.

17. What should I avoid while taking Biktarvy?

    • Avoid taking supplements or medications that may affect kidney function or those that may interact with Biktarvy without consulting your healthcare provider.

18. Where is Biktarvy obtained?

    • Biktarvy is available by prescription only at pharmacies. Ensure that you have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

19. Are there any specific storage requirements for Biktarvy?

    • Biktarvy should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and kept out of reach of children.

20. Where can I find more information about Biktarvy?

    • For more information, consult your healthcare provider or look for detailed information on reputable medical websites and the product’s prescribing information.