Biktarvy is a prescription drug used for treating HIV-1. It contains three active ingredients:

• Bictegravir: an integrase strand transfer inhibitor
• Emtricitabine: a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
• Tenofovir alafenamide: also an NRTI

These three active ingredients work together to reduce the levels of HIV in the body. Biktarvy is approved for use in adults and children weighing at least 31 lbs (14 kg). Candidates for Biktarvy must also have not taken antiretroviral drugs for HIV.

If you have taken antiretrovirals before, you may still be able to take Biktarvy if you are replacing your current antiretroviral treatment, have not had to change treatments due to the virus becoming resistant, and have an undetectable HIV viral load.

This medication is available in both brand-name and generic forms. By using an online Canadian pharmacy like Canada Pharmacy Depot, you can save more than 80% on your treatment costs. Biktarvy is a complete HIV treatment, which means that you take Biktarvy only and no other HIV drugs as part of your treatment.

At Canada Pharmacy Depot, accessing Biktarvy for managing HIV-1 infection is made more affordable with transparent pricing options. For generic Biktarvy, a 30-day supply costs just $8 per tablet. You can save even more when you order a larger quantity such as the 60-day or 90-day option, which can bring your cost down to as low as $7.94 per tablet.

An online Canadian pharmacy like Canada Pharmacy Depot can also help you save significantly on brand-name Biktarvy. Even with coupons, the price of Biktarvy elsewhere can soar up to more than $4000 for a 30-day supply. Canada Pharmacy Depot offers the same quantity for just $1350—a total saving of about $2650 per month. Like the generic version, brand-name Biktarvy is also more affordable when you order in bulk. To save on brand-name Biktarvy, opt for the 2-month or 3-month supply.

Biktarvy comes in a fixed-dosage combination. Each tablet will contain 50 mg of bictegravir, 200 mg of emtricitabine, and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide. Adults and children are typically both prescribed this fixed dosage of Biktarvy. Based on individual health and treatment results, your doctor may adjust your dosage. Some other factors may require an adjusted dosage as well, including treatment history, renal function, and any other medications you are taking.

How to Take Biktarvy 

It is recommended to take Biktarvy once a day. Although you can take this medication at any time of the day, taking your dose at the same time each day can help your body adjust to the medication, and doing so can also help you remember your dose.

Biktarvy can be taken with or without food. Although this medication's manufacturer has not specified whether you can crush, split, or chew the tablets, it is recommended that you swallow the pill whole if possible.

Biktarvy Drug Interactions

Biktarvy can interact with several classes of medications, including antacids, seizure medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain antimycobacterial drugs. Do not take Biktarvy with Tikosyn (dofetilide), or serious side effects may occur. Common drugs that you should avoid while on Biktarvy include but are not limited to:

• Rifampin
• Acyclovir
• Phenytoin
• Calcium carbonate
• Ibuprofen
• Metformin

This is not a complete list of Biktarvy drug interactions. Before starting treatment, you must inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Not doing so may result in serious adverse effects. Currently, there have been no reports of specific Biktarvy food interactions. Talk to your doctor for more information on Biktarvy drug and food interactions.

Biktarvy may cause mild side effects like diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Other common side effects may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal dreams
• Insomnia
• Indigestion
• Rash

It is not common for Biktarvy to cause severe side effects, but they can occur. If you are experiencing any of the serious side effects listed below, get emergency medical attention immediately. Serious side effects with Biktarvy can include:

• Liver damage
• Lactic acidosis
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Worsening hepatitis B
• Kidney failure
• Immune reconstitution syndrome

The side effects listed here are not complete. To learn more about all the possible side effects of Biktarvy, speak with your primary healthcare provider.

How does Biktarvy work?

By combining its three active ingredients to block the replication of the HIV virus, Biktarvy works to help patients control the infection and improve immune function. More specifically, Biktarvy blocks the enzymes that allow HIV to replicate, resulting in less copies of the virus and a lower viral load.

Additionally, antiretroviral medications like Biktarvy also increase the body's CD4 count, strengthening the immune system. For Biktarvy to work best, it is important to stick to your prescribed dosage schedule.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?

If you miss a dose of Biktarvy, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Biktarvy at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Biktarvy?

Common side effects of Biktarvy may include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. In some cases, Biktarvy may also cause more serious side effects such as lactic acidosis, liver problems, and immune reconstitution syndrome. It is important to report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider right away.

Can Biktarvy interact with other medications?

Biktarvy may interact with various medications, supplements, and herbal products, so it is important to inform your doctor about all the ones you take before starting treatment. When taking Biktarvy, you may not take any other HIV medications.

How effective is Biktarvy for HIV?

A recent extensive study using real-world evidence found that Biktarvy use lowered the HIV-1 RNA to below 50 copies/mL in more than 94% of the participants. This study analyzed 1552 people with HIV across 12 countries. The conclusion of the study supported the broad use of Biktarvy for treating HIV. As every patient is different, it is important to ask your doctor if Biktarvy is the right drug for you.