Biktarvy

Uses of Biktarvy

Biktarvy is a combination drug that treats people with HIV infection. Its main components include bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. This medicine works by inhibiting HIV from replicating within the body and preventing the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Bictegravir is part of a class of medications known as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), while emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are classified as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use Biktarvy if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your healthcare professional before taking this medicine. It is unknown if Biktarvy can cause serious side effects to your unborn baby.

To ensure that Biktarvy is safe to use, disclose to your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hepatitis B

Dosage

Adult dosage:

•  Take one tablet of Biktarvy orally once daily, containing 50 mg of bictegravir, 200 mg of emtricitabine, and 25 mg of tenofovir.

Children dosage:

• Children’s dosage is based on their weight.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Severe side effects:

• Dark urine
• Severe headache
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Trouble swallowing
• Joint pain
• Irregular heartbeat

More information about Biktarvy

• Product Monograph – Health Canada
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration Medication Guide