Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
| Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
Biktarvy (bictegravir-emtricitabine-tenofovir)
What is Biktarvy?
Biktarvy is a medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Biktarvy belongs to the drug class, HIV, Antiviral Combinations. This medication works by preventing HIV from multiplying in the body and lowers HIV blood levels, which decreases the chance of developing AIDS and HIV-related illnesses such as cancer or serious infections. It can be used in people who have never taken HIV medicines before, or to replace their current medicines.
It is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Biktarvy or ingredients in Biktarvy
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- For children who weigh less than 31 lbs (14 kg)
- If you suffer from severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease
What are the Indications for Biktarvy?
Biktarvy is approved to treat the symptoms of HIV and decreases the chance of developing AIDS over the long term.
How is Biktarvy used?
Storage
Biktarvy should be stored in the original package below 86°F (30°C) away from moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Instructions
Take Biktarvy by mouth, as directed by your doctor, once a day. It can be taken with or without food.
Do not change your dosage, take more than what is prescribed, or stop using it without consulting with your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. You must not miss a dose as it can increase the amount of virus in your blood if you stop taking the medicine, even for a short time. The virus could also develop a resistance to Biktarvy and become harder to treat. Use a reminder on your phone to make sure you don’t miss a dose.
If you are running low on your medication, make sure you refill your script so that you don’t run out.
Dosage
Biktarvy is available in tablet form. Each tablet contains three active drugs, and it is available in two strengths.
- For adults and children over 55 lbs: 50 mg of bictegravir, 200 mg of emtricitabine, and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide.
- For children who weigh at least 31 lbs but less than 55 lbs: 30 mg of bictegravir, 120 mg of emtricitabine, and 55 mg of tenofovir alafenamide.
The recommended starting dose is one tablet taken orally, once a day with or without food.
If children are unable to swallow the whole tablet, it can be split and taken separately. All parts of the tablet should be taken within 10 minutes.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Biktarvy is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before starting, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Biktarvy, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while taking Biktarvy may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives itching/swelling, especially the face, tongue and throat, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
- Changes in the immune system: worsening of previously treated infections, or new, previously undiagnosed infections.
- Severe liver problems: Yellowing skin or the white part of your eyes, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain.
- Kidney problems: little or no urine, swollen ankles or feet, feeling tired, and shortness of breath.
- Too much lactic acid in your blood: weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, shortness of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain, cold/blue hands and feet, dizziness, and fast or abnormal heartbeat.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using Biktarvy, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to Biktarvy or any of its ingredients
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you have kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis
- If you take any other medicines like antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant
It is not known if it is safe to use while pregnant and can harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed
Do not breastfeed your baby if you have HIV, as HIV can be passed to your baby in breast milk.
Hepatitis B
Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B (HBV). If you have HIV and HBV, Biktarvy may worsen your symptoms.
Interactions & Contraindications
Before using Biktarvy, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any other health conditions, or take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
Do not take with any other medicines that treat HIV.