Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Biktarvy is a medication that contains three different types of anti-virals namely, Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide. They work in different ways against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by blocking the reproduction of the virus. Although this medication does not cure HIV, it is still important to take it regularly to control the infection and keep the virus counts low.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take one tablet at the same time every day.
• Swallow whole, do not crush. Consult your healthcare professional if you have difficulty swallowing.
• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other healthcare provider, even if you feel well.
• It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this drug during treatment.
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next usual dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

Write down the number of doses you have missed and inform your healthcare professional during your next visit.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You have any liver or kidney problems. 
• You have Hepatitis B virus infection
• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Speak to your healthcare professional or seek medical advice if any of the following side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Diarrhoea
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Some weight gain (usually 2-3kg over the first year of starting this medication)

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects or other side effects, speak to your healthcare professional during your next appointment. However, if the symptoms are severe, do see your healthcare professional immediately.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but serious side effects:

• Kidney problems
  • Unable to pass urine
  • Reduction in amount of urine passed
  • Blood in urine
  • Sudden increase in body weight (due to water retention over a short period)
• Liver problems: 
  • Dark brown urine, light coloured stools (pale grey/clay coloured)
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas):
  • Severe pain in the stomach, abdomen or back area that does not go away
  • Nausea or vomiting that does not go away
  • Fever
• Lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the body): 
  • Decreased appetite, vomiting/stomach pains that persists for some time
  • Shortness of breath, fast shallow breathing, fast heartbeat 
  • Very bad dizziness
  • Very tired or weak
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Feeling cold
• Symptoms of mood changes
  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Feeling anxious or restless
  • Have thoughts of hurting yourself or have tried to hurt yourself

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

As your immune system improves when you start taking this medication, infections that you did not know you had may surface and/or existing infections may worsen. If you experience new or worsening signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, weakness or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications including supplements or traditional/herbal remedies, as they may reduce the effect or increase the risk of side effects of Biktarvy.

If you are taking any calcium- or iron- containing products such as antacids and supplements, take Biktarvy 2 hours before or 6 hours after such products. If you are unable to separate them, you may take them together with food.

If you are taking any magnesium- and aluminium-containing products such as antacids and laxatives, only take Biktarvy 2 hours before or 6 hours after such products.

Speak to your doctor before taking alcohol.

Avoid taking grapefruit when you are taking this medicine as grapefruit may interact with your medicine and increase the risk of side-effects.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack the medication into a bag and bring it back to the pharmacy where you received the medication from. 

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated in August 2023