What Is Biktarvy?
Biktarvy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection in adults and children who weigh at least 25 kg (55 lbs). It is a combination of three active ingredients—bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide—that work together to suppress HIV and reduce the risk of transmission. As an antiretroviral therapy (ART), Biktarvy helps lower the viral load in the body, allowing the immune system to recover and reduce the risk of complications associated with HIV, such as opportunistic infections and AIDS.
This medication plays a crucial role in managing HIV infection, offering a simpler and more effective treatment regimen by combining three drugs into a single daily tablet. It is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help people living with HIV maintain an undetectable viral load.
How Does Biktarvy Work?
Biktarvy works by targeting multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle. The three active components in Biktarvy have different mechanisms of action to suppress the virus:
- Bictegravir: An integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), bictegravir prevents the HIV from integrating its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA, which is essential for viral replication.
- Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide: Both are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These drugs inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which HIV uses to convert its RNA into DNA. By blocking this process, Biktarvy reduces the replication of the virus in the body.
By combining these three drugs, Biktarvy provides potent and sustained viral suppression, improving the chances of achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load, which is key to managing HIV effectively.
Benefits of Biktarvy
- Simplified Treatment Regimen: Biktarvy combines three powerful antiretroviral drugs into one tablet, reducing the pill burden and simplifying daily treatment.
- Effective HIV Suppression: Biktarvy helps lower the viral load to undetectable levels, improving overall health and reducing the risk of HIV transmission.
- Boosts Immune Function: By lowering the viral load, Biktarvy allows the immune system to recover and function better, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
- Fewer Side Effects: Compared to traditional HIV treatment regimens, Biktarvy is generally well-tolerated, with fewer side effects and drug interactions.
- Convenient Once-Daily Dosage: Biktarvy is taken once a day, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment plan and achieve optimal results.
Uses of Biktarvy
Biktarvy is primarily used to:
Treat HIV Infection
Biktarvy is prescribed for the treatment of HIV in adults and children over the age of 12 who meet the required weight. It works by lowering the viral load in the blood, allowing the immune system to recover, and reducing the likelihood of developing AIDS and other complications related to HIV.
Prevent HIV Transmission
By achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load, Biktarvy reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others, even during sexual activity. This is in line with the concept of “undetectable = untransmittable” (U=U), where the virus is not detectable in the blood and cannot be transmitted.
Available Dosage Forms and Strengths
Biktarvy is available in a convenient fixed-dose combination tablet, which contains all three active ingredients in one pill. The dosage is:
- Biktarvy 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg: Each tablet contains 50 mg of bictegravir, 200 mg of emtricitabine, and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide.
The typical prescribed dosage is one tablet taken once a day with or without food. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dosage based on your individual needs.
How to Take Biktarvy
- Follow Prescribed Instructions: Always take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once a day.
- Take With or Without Food: Biktarvy can be taken with or without food, making it easy to integrate into your daily routine.
- Swallow Whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet, as this may affect its effectiveness.
- Consistency is Key: For the best results, take your dose at the same time every day to maintain a steady level of the medication in your bloodstream.
Biktarvy Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Biktarvy, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several doses in a row, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Side Effects of Biktarvy
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and Diarrhea: These are common side effects that usually go away after your body adjusts to the medication.
- Headache: Some people experience headaches during the early stages of treatment, which typically diminish over time.
- Fatigue: You may feel tired or sluggish when starting Biktarvy, but this should improve as your body adapts.
Serious Side Effects
- Liver Problems: In rare cases, Biktarvy may cause liver issues. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Kidney Problems: Biktarvy can affect kidney function, so regular monitoring of kidney health is essential.
- Lactic Acidosis: This is a rare but serious condition that can occur with NRTIs, including emtricitabine and tenofovir. Symptoms include unusual tiredness, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties.
Allergic Reactions
- Severe Allergic Reactions: If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Biktarvy Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed dose of Biktarvy can lead to serious side effects. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help right away.
How to Store Biktarvy
- Room Temperature: Store Biktarvy at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children: As with all medications, store Biktarvy out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Keep in Original Packaging: To protect the medication from moisture, always store Biktarvy in its original packaging.
Where to Buy Biktarvy in the USA
Purchase Biktarvy online from 365 Script Care for secure, reliable service. We offer competitive pricing and prompt delivery directly to your doorstep, ensuring you have continuous access to your HIV treatment. Our platform makes it easy to manage your health needs from the comfort of your home.
Use the code FIRST10OFF at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase. At 365 Script Care, we are committed to providing affordable, high-quality medications with excellent customer service.
Contact Information
For support with your medication order or any other questions, please contact us via our toll-free number at 1-888-821-0245. You can also send a fax to 1-888-338-6690 or email us at info@365scriptcare.com. Our dedicated team is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm CST, and on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, ensuring that we are here for you every day of the year.
For swift assistance, we encourage you to contact our customer support during business hours so you can interact directly with our team for immediate help with orders, shipping inquiries, or product information.
All orders for medications sourced from Canada take 10-14 business days to receive from the date shipped. For all internationally sourced medications, it may take 15-20 business days to receive from the date shipped. For any issues regarding your tracking or receiving your order, please contact the toll-free 1-800 number to request to speak to a member of the loyalty team. A member of the loyalty team will be glad to assist you.
FAQs
Biktarvy works by inhibiting the replication of the HIV virus in the body. It blocks the action of key enzymes required for the virus to multiply, thereby reducing the viral load and helping to control the infection.
Biktarvy may not be suitable for everyone with HIV. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Biktarvy is the right treatment option based on individual medical history and current health status.
Before starting Biktarvy, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some medications may interact with Biktarvy, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
