BIKTARVY (Bictagravir/ Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide)

What is this medication?

BIKTARVY (Bictagravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide)
Antiretroviral, Integrase Inhibitor (Anti-HIV); Antiretroviral, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, Nucleoside (Anti-HIV); Antiretroviral, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, Nucleotide (Anti-HIV).

BIKTARVY (Bictagravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide) is indicated for treatment of HIV-1 infection.

ALERT: WARNING
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide.  Closely monitor hepatic function with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and discontinue bictegravir, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted.

How does this medication work? 

Bictegravir, an integrase inhibitor, inhibits HIV integrase by binding to the integrase-active site and blocking the strand transfer step of DNA integration.

Emtricitabine is a cytosine analogue and tenofovir alafenamide is converted intracellularly to tenofovir (adenosine nucleotide analog) and subsequently phosphorylated by cellular kinases to the active moiety, tenofovir diphosphate.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide interfere with HIV viral RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities resulting in inhibition of viral replication.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 1 tablet daily.

How to Take: Can take with or without food. Take 2 hours before or 6 hours after aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids.  Avoid taking with food or supplements containing calcium- or iron-containing ingredients.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting BIKTARVY (Bictagravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Patients have been known to experience immune reconstitution syndrome, lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly and renal toxicity while taking BIKTARVY.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Elevated bilirubin, headache, abnormal dreams, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for BIKTARVY (Bictagravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide), only common ones.