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Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide

Brand names: Biktarvy

Biktarvy is a once-daily single pill that treats HIV. Taken every day, it can lower the virus to undetectable levels.

Brand namesBiktarvy
Type of medicineHIV treatment (one-pill regimen)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Undetectable means the virus can't be passed to sexual partners (U=U).

What it's used for

  • HIV-1 infection

How to take it

  • Take one pill once a day, with or without food.
  • Take antacids with aluminum or magnesium 2 hours after, and iron or calcium with food at the same time.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes or dark urine
Call your provider todayPeeing much less
Call your provider todayDepression or suicidal thoughts
Call your provider todayNew symptoms of old infections as the immune system recovers

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: hepatitis B can flare after stopping.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take with dofetilide or rifampin.
  • Antacids, iron, and calcium lower absorption unless timed correctly.
  • Metformin levels may rise.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider; HIV treatment in pregnancy protects the baby.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.