If you have HIV, your doctor might suggest Biktarvy as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat HIV-1, the most common kind of HIV infection. Biktarvy is used in adults and some children in the following situations:
- as a first treatment for HIV, if you haven’t taken antiretrovirals (HIV drugs) before, or
- to change your current HIV treatment regimen in certain instances
Biktarvy comes as a capsule you swallow and contains three active ingredients: bictegravir sodium, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Biktarvy is a complete HIV treatment regimen. This means you don’t need to take any other HIV medications along with it.
This article describes the dosages of Biktarvy, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Biktarvy, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Biktarvy’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Biktarvy, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
The information below refers to the usual dosages of Biktarvy. But be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance for the dosage they prescribe.
What is Biktarvy’s form?
Biktarvy comes as a tablet you swallow.
What strengths does Biktarvy come in?
Biktarvy tablets contain three active ingredients:
- bictegravir (BIC)
- emtricitabine (FTC)
- tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)
These tablets are available in two strength combinations:
- 50 milligrams (mg) of BIC, 200 mg of FTC, and 25 mg of TAF
- 30 mg of BIC, 120 mg of FTC, and 15 mg of TAF
What are the usual dosages of Biktarvy?
Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that works best for you based on your age, weight, and other factors. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for HIV
The dosage of Biktarvy in adults weighing at least 25 kilograms (kg)* is one tablet containing 50 mg BIC, 200 mg FTC, and 25 mg TAF. This is taken once daily around the same time each day.
*1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
What’s the dosage of Biktarvy for children?
Biktarvy is used in children who weigh at least 14 kilograms (kg).*
The dosage for children weighing between 14 kg and less than 25 kg is 30 mg BIC, 120 mg FTC, and 15 mg TAF. This is taken once daily around the same time each day.
The dosage for children weighing at least 25 kg is the same as for adults. This is one tablet containing 50 mg BIC, 200 mg FTC, and 25 mg TAF taken once per day.
*1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Is Biktarvy used long term?
Yes, Biktarvy is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about long-term Biktarvy use, talk with your doctor. They can provide more information about the usual length of time this drug is taken for HIV.
Dosage adjustments
You may need dosage adjustments for Biktarvy if you have certain health problems, including:
- Liver problems. Biktarvy may cause liver problems. Taking this drug is not recommended if you have severe liver problems because it can increase your risk of serious side effects. If you have a history of liver disease, including hepatitis B, tell your doctor. They’ll check your liver function before you start Biktarvy, as well as during your treatment.
- Kidney problems. Taking Biktarvy may increase your risk of kidney problems. Biktarvy is not recommended if you have severe kidney problems because it can increase your risk of serious side effects. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function before you begin treatment and while you’re taking Biktarvy.
Frequently missing a dose of Biktarvy can increase your risk of viral resistance. (This is when your HIV stops responding to Biktarvy’s active ingredients and prevents the medication from working as it normally would to treat your condition.)
In case of a missed dose of Biktarvy, take it as soon as you remember. If you need help remembering to take your dose of Biktarvy on time, try using a medication reminder tool. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Will my dosage be adjusted if I have renal (kidney) problems?
Biktarvy is not prescribed if you have severe kidney problems. This is because your risk of serious side effects is higher when your kidneys can’t clear Biktarvy from your system.
Your doctor will check your kidney function using blood tests before you begin Biktarvy and during your treatment. No dosage adjustments are needed if your doctor determines it’s safe for you to take Biktarvy.
Your doctor can tell you more about the necessary kidney function and blood tests before you begin treatment.
Will I need a dosage adjustment if I have liver problems?
Your doctor will check your liver function before you begin treatment with Biktarvy. There’s no dosage adjustment for mild to moderate liver problems. But if you have a severe liver condition, your doctor may recommend another treatment option.
There is a
In rare cases, Biktarvy can cause serious liver problems. Your doctor can provide more information about the safety of this treatment if you have liver problems.
The dosage of Biktarvy you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- your body weight
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” just above)
- other medications you take
Biktarvy comes as a tablet you swallow once per day. It can be taken with or without food.
Do not take Biktarvy with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. If you need to take an antacid, take Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the antacid.
For children who cannot swallow the tablet whole, it can be split into parts to help make it easier. The split tablets should all be taken within 10 minutes.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Biktarvy, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. Biktarvy is available in bottles or blister packs. Your pharmacy may be able to offer the blister pack if you have trouble opening bottles.
Do not take more Biktarvy than your doctor prescribes because this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Biktarvy
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Biktarvy. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Biktarvy, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Biktarvy without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- Will my dosage of Biktarvy change if it’s not working for me?
- Would my dosage of Biktarvy need to be adjusted if I take other drugs that affect my kidneys?
- Can I restart my Biktarvy dosage after stopping it for some time?
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
