Biktarvy (Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide)

Name: Biktarvy
Brand: Gilead Sciences
SKU: 7550
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Biktarvy Tablet

Manufacturer: Gilead Sciences

Country: Canada

Dosage: 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Biktarvy

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Biktarvy Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on November 14, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Biktarvy and Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Hemifumarate at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Biktarvy is manufactured by Gilead Sciences in Canada.

Generic bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Ezetimibe:

Generic bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate contains the same active ingredients as brand-name Biktarvy and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in a similar way to Biktarvy. Studies have shown that the generic fixed-dose combination of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide is bioequivalent to brand-name Biktarvy, meaning it has a similar absorption rate and achieves identical blood concentrations. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit the FDA website at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-facts.

Dosage:

Biktarvy is available as a single oral tablet in a fixed-dose combination. Biktarvy is approved and available in two strengths. However, it is available in only one strength at this pharmacy: 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg, containing bictegravir 50 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, and tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Biktarvy is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg, with dosing determined by weight. It serves as a complete regimen for treating HIV-1 in treatment-naïve adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg, or it can replace their current antiretroviral regimen in virologically suppressed adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg who are stable on treatment without a history of failure or resistance to Biktarvy's components.

Mechanism of Action:
Biktarvy acts as a powerful combination therapy by targeting two critical stages of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) life cycle using three powerful active ingredients.
• The combination of emtricitabine (NRTI) and tenofovir alafenamide (a TAF prodrug) works by blocking the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase. This prevents the virus from converting its RNA blueprint into DNA, effectively halting the replication process.
• Simultaneously, the third component, bictegravir (an Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor), blocks the integrase enzyme. This crucial step prevents the newly formed viral DNA from integrating into—and taking over—the host cell's genetic material. By inhibiting both key enzymes, Biktarvy delivers a comprehensive attack that stops HIV-1 replication and significantly lowers the viral load in the bloodstream.

Take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed by your doctor, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Biktarvy, it is essential to discuss all possible effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – The following are some common side effects of Biktarvy; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abnormal dreams
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Abdominal bloating or pain
• Depression
• Gas (flatulence)
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Serious or rare side effects: These are rare but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
• Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS)
• Lactic acidosis
• New or worsening kidney problems (e.g., decreased urine output, swelling, or unexplained bone pain, which may indicate Fanconi Syndrome)
• Severe allergic reaction (including rash, facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing)
• Severe liver problems (including yellowing of the skin or eyes/jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, loss of appetite, or upper right abdominal pain)
• Severe mental health issues (including new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts)
• Worsening of Hepatitis B (Boxed Warning): If you have both HIV and Hepatitis B (HBV) and suddenly stop Biktarvy, your HBV infection could flare up severely, possibly causing life-threatening liver problems.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before taking Biktarvy, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Biktarvy should not be used under the following conditions:
• Dofetilide (an antiarrhythmic) prescriptions due to the risk of life-threatening events from increased dofetilide levels.
• Known hypersensitivity to any component of Biktarvy.
• Rifampin (an antibiotic) prescriptions can significantly lower Biktarvy levels and lead to treatment failure.
• St. John’s Wort (an herbal supplement) can lower Biktarvy levels and lead to treatment failure.

Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, past and present, before starting Biktarvy. This is important because certain conditions might influence whether Biktarvy is suitable for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Co-administration with other antiretroviral products, including those containing tenofovir alafenamide,
emtricitabine, lamivudine, or adefovir dipivoxil.
• End-stage renal disease (estimated creatinine clearance less than 15 mL/min), and you are receiving chronic hemodialysis, but have no antiretroviral treatment history.
• Existing severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) as Biktarvy is not recommended in this population.
• History of kidney problems or impaired kidney function (estimated creatinine clearance between 15 and 30 mL/min).
• Presence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) co-infection, as stopping Biktarvy can cause a severe exacerbation (flare-up) of HBV.
• Taking other medications that may interact with Biktarvy, such as certain anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin).
• Weighing less than 14 KG (for pediatric use).

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Biktarvy, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your healthcare provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the highlights of prescribing information from Gilead at https://www.gilead.com/~/media/files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/biktarvy/biktarvy_pi.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Biktarvy may interact with the following:
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Dofetilide): Co-administration is contraindicated. Biktarvy can significantly increase dofetilide levels, which may lead to serious or life-threatening heart rhythm problems like Torsades de Pointes.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin): These can significantly reduce bictegravir (a component of Biktarvy) levels in the blood, potentially leading to reduced therapeutic effect and the development of HIV resistance. Alternative anticonvulsants should be considered.
• Antimycobacterials (e.g., Rifampin): Co-administration with rifampin is contraindicated. Rifampin is a potent inducer of drug-metabolizing enzymes, significantly lowering bictegravir concentrations, which can lead to loss of viral suppression and potential resistance.
• Antivirals (e.g., Acyclovir, Cidofovir, Ganciclovir, Valacyclovir, Valganciclovir): Co-administration may raise the levels of either Biktarvy's components or the antiviral, possibly increasing the risk of kidney-related side effects.
• Herbal Products (e.g., St. John's Wort): Co-administration is not recommended. St. John's Wort can induce drug-metabolizing enzymes, potentially significantly lowering bictegravir levels and leading to a loss of virologic response and the development of resistance.
• Metformin (a diabetes medication): Biktarvy can increase metformin levels in the body. While a dose adjustment may not be necessary for all patients, your doctor should monitor you for metformin-related side effects and ensure the lowest effective dose is used.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Taking NSAIDs, especially in chronic high doses, may raise the risk of kidney-related side effects because of the tenofovir alafenamide in Biktarvy.
• Oral Medications or Supplements Containing Polyvalent Cations: Products with aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium (such as antacids, iron supplements, or calcium supplements) can bind to and significantly decrease the absorption of bictegravir, making Biktarvy less effective.
o Antacids containing Aluminum or Magnesium: Should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after Biktarvy.
o Supplements or antacids containing calcium or iron can be taken with Biktarvy at the same time, provided they are taken with food. If taken on an empty stomach, Biktarvy should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after the supplement or antacid.
• Rifabutin or Rifapentine (Antimycobacterials): Co-administration with these drugs is not recommended because they can reduce bictegravir plasma concentrations.
• Sucralfate (a medication for stomach ulcers): It contains aluminum and may lower the plasma concentration of bictegravir, which could result in a reduced virologic response. Doses should be spaced apart.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Regarding the use of Biktarvy during the perinatal period, it is generally seen as an alternative and effective treatment option for pregnant individuals who are virologically suppressed, with studies indicating a low risk of mother-to-child transmission and no confirmed increase in the risk of significant congenital disabilities. However, guidance for breastfeeding is more complicated. While parts of Biktarvy can pass into breast milk at low levels, and its long-term effects on the infant are not fully known, the primary concern is the small but real risk of HIV transmission, even when the mother's viral load is undetectable. Therefore, specialized medical guidelines often advise against breastfeeding to eliminate this risk, but also highlight the importance of an informed, personalized discussion with a perinatal HIV specialist to choose the safest feeding method for the baby.

Use in Children:

Biktarvy is considered a safe and effective treatment for HIV-1 in children weighing at least 14 kilograms (about 31 pounds), as long as they have proper kidney function. This medication is an approved single-pill, once-daily regimen, but the specific tablet dose depends on the child's body weight to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is intended for children starting HIV treatment or those who are already virologically suppressed on another regimen and have no known drug resistance. Importantly, the drug is not recommended for children weighing less than 14 kg or for those with severe kidney impairment. Always consult a healthcare provider specializing in HIV management to confirm the correct formulation and monitor the child's safety.

Frequently Asked Questions about Biktarvy at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Biktarvy more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Biktarvy, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784 for more information or to learn about the ordering process. Visit our How to Order page for details.

Is there a limit on the number of tablets I can order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Biktarvy at a time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, Biktarvy requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days for your order to be delivered from our pharmacy.

What is the best time to take Biktarvy?

Biktarvy is typically taken once daily with or without food. It's essential to take it consistently at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.

If I had hepatitis B in the past, will taking Biktarvy increase my chance of having it return?

Yes. If you have ever had hepatitis B, the virus can become active or get worse in the months after stopping Biktarvy. You’ll want to have frequent liver function tests while using this medication and for several months after your last dose.

Can I get lactic acidosis while on Biktarvy?

While rare, Biktarvy can cause lactic acidosis (an excessive buildup of lactic acid). If you notice symptoms of weakness, tiredness, unusual muscle pain, shortness of breath, fast breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, dizziness, or rapid/abnormal heartbeats, consult your doctor right away.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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