Biktarvy® (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) Tablets for HIV-1

What Biktarvy® Is and How It Works

Biktarvy® is a complete HIV-1 treatment in one tablet. It combines three medicines: bictegravir (an integrase inhibitor) and emtricitabine plus tenofovir alafenamide (two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). It treats HIV-1 in adults and in children who weigh at least 14 kg. The tablet is taken once daily. Many patients ask about the cost of biktarvy without insurance, and cross-border options can help reduce expenses.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba. We meet Canadian pharmacy standards, and our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. You can order online or by phone, and our customer-service chat is available during posted office hours.

Bictegravir blocks the strand transfer step of HIV integration. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide inhibit reverse transcriptase, which slows the production of new virus. The three agents work together to lower viral load and support immune recovery. Biktarvy® is not indicated for pre-exposure prevention.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies abroad when needed to maintain supply, offering authentic brand medications at competitive prices and a wide selection.

For condition background, see our page on Hiv 1 Infection and broader Hiv Aids categories.

Dosage and Usage

The usual adult dose is one Biktarvy® tablet once daily. It may be taken with or without food. Pediatric dosing depends on body weight and uses the approved lower-strength tablet when indicated.

• Usual strengths: 50/200/25 mg for adults; 30/120/15 mg for select pediatric patients.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or split.
• Starting therapy and switching should follow local guidelines and resistance history.
• Separate from aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids. Discuss timing with a clinician.
• Check for drug interactions, including rifampin, dofetilide, certain anticonvulsants, and St. John’s wort.

• Missed dose: if remembered soon, take the tablet and resume the schedule. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
• If vomiting occurs within one hour of dosing, another tablet may be needed per prescribing information.

• Storage: keep tablets at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in the original bottle with desiccant.
• Store away from moisture and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Travel: carry your medication in hand luggage. Bring an updated medication list.
• For longer trips, you can order a multi-month supply to ensure you do not run out.

Benefits and Savings

Biktarvy® offers potent viral suppression in a single daily tablet. It has few food restrictions and a high barrier to resistance. Patients in trials often reached undetectable viral load within months when taken as directed.

Tenofovir alafenamide may support improved kidney and bone markers compared with older tenofovir formulations. The one-tablet regimen reduces daily pill burden, which supports adherence.

Ordering through YouDrugstore can lower total costs. Many customers report 60–80% savings versus typical US pharmacy prices, including when purchasing without insurance. You can also increase savings by choosing larger supplies when appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate Biktarvy® well. Some effects are mild and resolve over time. Serious events are uncommon but require prompt attention.

• Common: headache, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, abnormal dreams, dizziness.
• Less common: insomnia, rash, flatulence, abdominal pain, depression.
• Lab changes: increased creatinine due to tubular secretion, lipid changes.
• Serious: lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis.
• Hepatitis B flare may occur if the medicine is stopped in people with HBV.
• Renal issues and rare proximal tubulopathy can occur.
• Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome may appear as immunity improves.

Important interactions include dofetilide and rifampin. Strong enzyme inducers can reduce levels of bictegravir or tenofovir alafenamide. Antacids with aluminum or magnesium and certain mineral supplements can reduce absorption; timing adjustments may be needed. Screening for hepatitis B is recommended before starting because two components are active against HBV.

Use in pregnancy or during breastfeeding requires individualized assessment. Renal impairment may limit use; consult current prescribing information for exact thresholds and dialysis guidance.

Onset Time

Viral load typically begins to fall within two to four weeks of consistent therapy. Many patients reach undetectable levels by 8–24 weeks, depending on baseline load and adherence. CD4 cell counts usually rise over months. Ongoing monitoring helps track response to treatment.

Compare With Alternatives

Biktarvy® is a complete regimen in one pill. Other options may require combining products or using clinic-administered injections.

Isentress® (raltegravir) is an integrase inhibitor that must be paired with two NRTIs. Some regimens use it with backbones such as Descovy® (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). This can increase pill count relative to Biktarvy®.

Apretude® Injectable Suspension (cabotegravir) is for HIV PrEP, not HIV treatment. For maintenance treatment, a long-acting clinic regimen like cabotegravir/rilpivirine (Cabenuva) may be considered through a prescriber, but it involves injections and on-site care.

Choice of regimen depends on resistance profile, comorbidities, interactions, and patient preferences.

Combination Therapy

Biktarvy® is a single-tablet, complete regimen. It should not be combined with other antiretroviral medicines. It may be taken with non-HIV medications when compatible, but interactions must be reviewed. Do not add duplicate components that contain emtricitabine, tenofovir, or another integrase inhibitor.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Biktarvy® is indicated for adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg with HIV-1. It may suit those without known resistance to bictegravir, emtricitabine, or tenofovir. People with chronic hepatitis B should be monitored closely if therapy stops, due to risk of HBV reactivation.

Kidney function should be assessed before and during therapy. The regimen may not be appropriate in significant renal impairment, except specific dialysis settings per labeling. Review all medications and supplements, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.

To manage expenses, consider a 90-day supply to lower the per-month price. We offer gentle reorder reminders so you stay on track. Bulk promotions can help reduce total cost over time.

Visit our promotions page for any biktarvy coupon or bulk purchase offers: current offers.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can help when paying without insurance. For education about HIV treatment, you can also browse our Hiv category for related products and information.

Authoritative Sources

See the manufacturer’s resources and regulator-approved labeling for complete details: Gilead Sciences Biktarvy product page, Health Canada Drug Product Database listing, and the FDA Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

You can order Biktarvy® from YouDrugstore with a valid prescription. Our team supports you with clear checkout, careful dispensing, and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping when needed for temperature-sensitive items.

Disclaimer: This page offers general product information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the approved product labeling.