This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide is a combination regimen consisting of antiviral medications, which was approved for its medical use on 7th February 2018.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet is a combination of integrase strand transfer inhibitor and nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. It works by increasing the number of CD4 T cells and stimulates the immune system to fight against infections. Thereby, it reduces the viral load of HIV in the blood and decreases the severity of HIV infection.

Uses of undefined

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide has been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet is indicated as a complete regimen for treating adults and children weighing at least 14kg infected with HIV 1.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide is available as film coated tablets consisting of 50mg of Bictegravir, 200mg of Emtricitabine and 25mg of Tenofovir Alafenamide. The usual recommended dosage of this combination regimen is one tablet everyday with or without food.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Bictegravir, Emtricitabine or Tenofovir Alafenamide. Patients who are diagnosed with pancreatitis or at risk of pancreatitis should take this combination medicine with caution. During the Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of heart failure, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems. 

Precautions

Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment as this combination regimen is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transmission of HIV from mother to the baby.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Bictegravir, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Tablet are diarrhoea, nausea and headache. Some serious adverse reactions include bone loss, worsening of Hepatitis B, kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, lactic acidosis and liver toxicity. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment if you feel dizzy or tired.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.
  2. Gilead Sciences Inc., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2021] [Accessed on 7th Oct 2022], https://www.gilead.com/-/media/files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/biktarvy/biktarvy_pi.pdf 

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.