What is Biktarvy?
Biktarvy is a once-daily tablet used to treat HIV-1 infection in both adults and children who weigh at least 14 kg (31 pounds).
It is a complete treatment regimen that combines three medications: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.
Bictegravir is an HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) that prevents the virus from multiplying in the body.
Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that block the virus from making copies of itself.
Biktarvy is prescribed for people who have never taken HIV treatment or for those who need to replace their current HIV medications as long as they have achieved a suppressed viral load (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL).
This medication is not recommended for children who weigh less than 14 kg.
Biktarvy helps manage HIV by controlling the virus and improving the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
How Does Biktarvy Work?
Biktarvy works by using three medications to stop the HIV-1 virus from spreading in the body. It contains bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.
Bictegravir prevents the virus from copying itself and spreading, while emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide block an important step that the virus needs to multiply.
Together, these three medicines reduce the amount of HIV in the body and help protect the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight infections.
This combination of medicines and proper adherence to Biktarvy helps keep the amount of HIV in the body to undetectable levels, meaning the virus cannot be transmitted to others.
Dosage Information and Usage
The recommended dosage of Biktarvy varies based on the patient’s age, weight, and specific health conditions.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using Biktarvy properly to ensure optimal results and minimize potential side effects.
Dosage Form and Strengths of Biktarvy
Biktarvy is available in tablet form in two strengths.
The 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg tablet contains 50 mg of bictegravir (BIC), 200 mg of emtricitabine (FTC), and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
These tablets are purplish-brown, capsule-shaped, and film-coated. They are debossed with “GSI” on one side and “9883” on the other.
How to Use Biktarvy?
Follow these simple steps to take Biktarvy correctly:
- Take one tablet of Biktarvy once a day, at the same time each day.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- The tablet may be split for children who cannot swallow the whole tablet, but both parts should be taken within 10 minutes.
- If you are undergoing dialysis, take your daily dose of Biktarvy after dialysis.
- Do not take other HIV medicines with Biktarvy unless directed by your healthcare provider.
- If you use antacids with aluminum or magnesium, take Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after these antacids.
- If you use iron or calcium supplements, take Biktarvy with food at the same time.
Storage Information
To store Biktarvy properly, keep the bottle below 86°F (30°C) and tightly closed.
The bottle contains a desiccant packet that helps keep the medicine dry. Do not remove or eat the packet.
If using Biktarvy blister packs, store them at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Always keep Biktarvy in its original bottle or blister pack to maintain quality. For added safety, it is also packaged in a child-resistant container.
Proper storage ensures the medication stays effective and safe to use.
Side Effects
Biktarvy, like other medications, may cause both common and severe side effects. The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
However, Biktarvy can also lead to more serious health issues, so it is important to be aware of potentially severe side effects.
If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
Severe Side Effects
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (increased infections as the immune system gets stronger)
- New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Lactic acidosis (high levels of lactic acid in the blood)
- Severe liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain)
Warnings and Precautions
Biktarvy is an effective treatment for HIV-1, but it comes with some important warnings and precautions. Certain health conditions must be monitored before and during treatment.
These precautions ensure that Biktarvy is used safely, preventing severe complications. Here are some critical warnings and safety information for Biktarvy users.
- Severe Hepatitis B Exacerbation: If you are coinfected with HIV-1 and hepatitis B (HBV), stopping Biktarvy can cause a severe flare-up of hepatitis. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is necessary if you stop Biktarvy, especially if you have liver disease or cirrhosis.
- Drug Interactions: Biktarvy may interact with certain medications, leading to a loss of effectiveness or serious side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about other drugs you are taking to avoid harmful drug interactions.
- Immune Reconstitution Syndrome: After starting Biktarvy, your immune system may become stronger, which could cause inflammation from past infections. This requires monitoring and possibly additional treatment to manage.
- Renal Impairment: Biktarvy is not recommended for patients with severe kidney problems, as it can worsen renal function. Kidney function, including serum creatinine levels, urine glucose, and protein, should be monitored regularly.
- Lactic Acidosis and Hepatotoxicity: There is a risk of lactic acidosis and severe liver problems, including fat accumulation in the liver. If you experience symptoms such as unusual tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin, seek immediate medical help.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
Biktarvy may interact with certain medications, which can either affect its effectiveness or cause harmful side effects.
Below are the key drug interactions to consider.
- Dofetilide
- Carbamazepine
- Oxcarbazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Rifabutin
- Rifapentine
- St. John’s Wort
- Calcium Supplements
- Iron Supplements
- Antacids (containing Al/Mg)
- Sucralfate
- Buffered Medications
- Metformin
Alternative Medications
If you are looking for alternatives to Biktarvy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, there are several options available. These include combination medications that simplify treatment with fewer tablets and individual medications that can be used as a customized treatment regimen.
- Cimduo (lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Complera (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Delstrigo (doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Descovy (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine)
- Evotaz (atazanavir/cobicistat)
- Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)
- Odefsey (emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir alafenamide)
- Prezcobix (darunavir/cobicistat)
- Symfi (efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Symtuza (darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)
- Triumeq (abacavir/dolutegravir/lamivudine)
- Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine)
- Aptivus (tipranavir)
- Edurant (rilpivirine)
- Emtriva (emtricitabine)
- Epivir (lamivudine)
- Fuzeon (enfuvirtide)
- Intelence (etravirine)
- Isentress (raltegravir)
- Pifeltro (doravirine)
- Prezista (darunavir)
- Reyataz (atazanavir)
- Tivicay (dolutegravir)
- Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate)
- Ziagen (abacavir)
Biktarvy Pricing and Ordering Information
Buy Canadian Insulin helps eligible customers access Biktarvy through participating pharmacy partners after prescription review requirements are completed.
Pricing for Biktarvy may vary depending on quantity, pharmacy source, product availability, fulfillment location, and shipping destination. Customers can review current pricing before completing checkout.
A valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before Biktarvy can be reviewed, processed, or dispensed. Pharmacist consultation may be available through participating pharmacy partners when appropriate.
Prescription orders may be fulfilled through participating licensed pharmacy partners located in Canada or other approved international fulfillment locations, depending on product availability and order details.
Have a valid prescription?
Customers may submit a Biktarvy order request through Buy Canadian Insulin after prescription review requirements are completed.
Available services may include:
- Online order request support
- Prescription upload or fax submission
- Pharmacist review through participating pharmacy partners
- Customer support by phone, email, or live chat
- Multiple quantity options when available
- Pricing review before checkout
- Shipping options to eligible delivery locations
Product availability, pharmacy source, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary.
Eligible customers may use coupon code FIRST10 when applicable, subject to coupon terms and availability.
Biktarvy Pricing
| Strength | Quantity | Listed Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mg / 200 mg / 25 mg | 30 tablets | $1,499.00 |
| 50 mg / 200 mg / 25 mg | 60 tablets | $2,960.00 |
| 50 mg / 200 mg / 25 mg | 90 tablets | $4,350.00 |
Prices are subject to change. Final pricing, product availability, and shipping options should be reviewed at checkout before placing an order.
Biktarvy Coupon
Eligible customers may use coupon code FIRST10 during checkout for 10% off qualifying Biktarvy orders, with a maximum savings of $50. Coupon terms, eligibility, and availability may vary.
Shipping, Storage, and Pharmacy Information
Biktarvy orders are processed after prescription review and pharmacy verification requirements are completed.
Shipping timelines may vary depending on pharmacy source, destination, carrier services, customs processing, and product availability. Orders are packaged according to pharmacy handling procedures.
Biktarvy should be stored in its original container or blister packaging at the temperature listed on the product label. Keep the container tightly closed and protect the tablets from moisture. Do not remove the desiccant packet from the bottle, and do not use the product past the expiration date.
For questions about product availability, prescription submission, shipping, or account support, contact Buy Canadian Insulin:
Phone: 1-888-525-1815
Fax: 1-888-234-1275
Email: info@buycanadianinsulin.com
Customer Support Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7 AM – 10 PM CST
Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM CST
Business Address:
Buy Canadian Insulin
1026 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 1001
Selkirk, MB R1A 4M2
Canada
How to Order Biktarvy Online?
- Use the search bar at the top of the website to find Biktarvy. Once you find the correct medication and dosage, click the ‘Buy’ button to add it to your cart. If you need more medications or supplies, search for them and add them to your cart.
- Enter your contact information, payment details, and shipping address to proceed to the secure checkout. You must also create an account with your email address and password for easy reordering and tracking. If you already have an account, simply login to speed up the process. Once you have completed the checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with your order and payment details.
- Upload a scanned or clear photo of your prescription through the RX document uploader on the website or fax it to 1-888-234-1275. If your order does not require a prescription, you can skip this step and proceed immediately.
Do not forget to use the coupon code FIRST10 at checkout to save 10% on your first order.
Have a prescription?
Order Biktarvy online today and enjoy a host of benefits, including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Buy Canadian Insulin provides educational information about medications and health conditions for informational purposes only. This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription medications require valid prescription review and processing through participating pharmacy partners. Product availability, pricing, and shipping timelines may vary. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
