biktarvy
Pharmaranks rates Biktarvy 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Biktarvy is a combination medicine containing Bictegravir Sodium, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate.
Bictegravir Sodium and Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate · by Gilead Sciences Inc
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Bictegravir Sodium and Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Bictegravir Sodium EQ 30MG Base; Emtricitabine 120MG; Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate EQ 15MG Base · Bictegravir Sodium EQ 50MG Base; Emtricitabine 200MG; Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate EQ 25MG Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Gilead Sciences Inc
- FDA application
- NDA210251
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Biktarvy?
From the FDA label:BIKTARVY (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) is a fixed dose combination tablet containing bictegravir (BIC), emtricitabine (FTC), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) for oral administration. BIC is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). FTC, a synthetic nucleoside analog of cytidine, is an HIV nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (HIV NRTI). TAF, an HIV NRTI, is converted in vivo to tenofovir, an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (nucleotide) analog of adenosine 5′-monophosphate. BIKTARVY tablets are available in two dose strengths: 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg tablet containing 50 mg of BIC (equivalent to 52.5 mg of bictegravir sodium), 200 mg of FTC, and 25 mg of TAF (equivalent to 28 mg of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate). 30 mg/120 mg/15 mg tablet containing 30 mg of BIC (equivalent to 31.5 mg of bictegravir sodium), 120 mg of FTC, and 15 mg of TAF (equivalent to 16.8 mg of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate). Both dose strengths of BIKTARVY tablets include the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. The tablets for both dose strengths are film-coated with a coating material containing iron oxide black, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. Bictegravir: The chemical name of bictegravir sodium is 2,5-Methanopyrido[1',2':4,5]pyrazino[2,1- b…
How to use
Testing: Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY test for hepatitis B virus infection. Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY, and during treatment, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein in all patients as clinically appropriate. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus. ( 2.1 ) Recommended dosage in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg: One tablet containing 50 mg BIC, 200 mg FTC, and 25 mg TAF taken once daily with or without food. ( 2.2 ) Recommended dosage in pediatric patients weighing at least 14 kg to less than 25 kg: One tablet containing 30 mg BIC, 120 mg FTC, and 15 mg TAF taken once daily with or without food. ( 2.3 ) Renal impairment: BIKTARVY is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance of 15 to below 30 mL/min, or below 15 mL/min who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis, or below 15 mL/min who have no antiretroviral treatment history. ( 2.4 ) Hepatic impairment: BIKTARVY is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Testing When Initiating and During Treatment with BIKTARVY Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY, test patients for hepatitis B virus infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY, and during treatment with BIKTARVY, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Severe Acute Exacerbations of Hepatitis B [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Immune Reconstitution Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%, all grades) are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Gilead Sciences, Inc. at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trials in Adults with No Antiretroviral Treatment History The primary safety assessment of BIKTARVY was based on data from two randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trials, Trial 1489 and Trial 1490, that enrolled 1274 HIV-1 infected adult subjects with no antiretroviral treatment history through Week 144. After Week 144, subjects received open-label BIKTARVY in an optional extension phase for an additional 96 weeks…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Closely monitor hepatic function with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and discontinue BIKTARVY. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: POST TREATMENT ACUTE EXACERBATION OF HEPATITIS B See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing emtricitabine (FTC) and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Closely monitor hepatic function in these patients. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted. ( 5.1 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Immune reconstitution syndrome: May necessitate further evaluation and treatment. ( 5.3 ) New onset or worsening renal impairment: Assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose and urine protein when initiating BIKTARVY and during therapy as clinically appropriate in all patients. Also assess serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease. ( 5.4 ) Lactic acidosis/severe hepatomegaly with steatosis: Discontinue treatment in patients who develop symptoms or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Severe Acute Exacerbation of Hepatitis B in Patients Coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV Patients with HIV-1 should be tested for the presence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before or when initiating antiretroviral therapy [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . Severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B (e.g., liver decompensation and liver failure) have been reported in patients who are coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV and have discontinued products containing FTC and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and may occur with discontinuation of BIKTARVY. Patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinue BIKTARVY should be closely monitored with both clinical and laboratory follow-up for at least several months after stopping treatment. If appropriate, anti-hepatitis B therapy may be warranted, especially in patients with advanced liver disease or cirrhosis, since post-treatment exacerbation of hepatitis may lead to hepatic decompensation and liver failure. 5.2 Risk of Adverse Reactions or Loss of Virologic Response Due to Drug Interactions The concomitant use of BIKTARVY with certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to [see Contraindications (4) , and Drug Interactions (7.5) ]: Loss of therapeutic effect of BIKTARVY and possible development of resistance. Possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of concomitant drugs. See Table 3 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during BIKTARVY therapy; review concomitant medications during BIKTARVY therapy; and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant drugs. 5.3 Immune Reconstitution Syndrome Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections [such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), or tuberculosis], which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment. Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves' disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment. 5.4 New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment Postmarketing cases of renal impairment, including acute renal failure, proximal renal tubulopathy (PRT), and Fanconi syndrome, have been reported with TAF-containing products; while most of these cases were characterized by potential confounders that may have contributed to the reported renal events, it is also possible these factors may have predisposed patients to tenofovir-related adverse events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1 , 6.2) ]. BIKTARVY is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance of 15 to below 30 mL/min), or patients with ESRD (estimated creatinine clearance below 15 mL/min) who are not receiving chronic hemodialysis, or patients with no antiretroviral treatment history and ESRD who are receiving chronic hemodialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Patients taking tenofovir prodrugs who have impaired renal function and those taking nephrotoxic agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are at increased risk of developing renal-related adverse reactions. Prior to or when initiating BIKTARVY, and during treatment with BIKTARVY, assess serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose and urine protein in all patients as clinically appropriate. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also assess serum phosphorus. Discontinue BIKTARVY in patients who develop clinically significant decreases in renal function or evidence of Fanconi syndrome. 5.5 Lactic Acidosis/Severe Hepatomegaly with Steatosis Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogs, including emtricitabine, a component of BIKTARVY, and tenofovir DF, another prodrug of tenofovir, alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals. Treatment with BIKTARVY should be suspended in any patient who develops clinical or laboratory findings suggestive of lactic acidosis or pronounced hepatotoxicity (which may include hepatomegaly and steatosis even in the absence of marked transaminase elevations).
Who should not take Biktarvy
BIKTARVY is contraindicated to be co-administered with: dofetilide due to the potential for increased dofetilide plasma concentrations and associated serious and/or life-threatening events [see Drug Interactions (7.5) ] . rifampin due to decreased BIC plasma concentrations, which may result in the loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance to BIKTARVY [see Drug Interactions (7.5) ] . BIKTARVY is contraindicated to be co-administered with: dofetilide. ( 4 ) rifampin. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
No data are available on overdose of BIKTARVY in patients. If overdose occurs, monitor the patient for evidence of toxicity. Treatment of overdose with BIKTARVY consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs as well as observation of the clinical status of the patient. Hemodialysis treatment removes approximately 30% of the FTC dose over a 3-hour dialysis period starting within 1.5 hours of FTC dosing (blood flow rate of 400 mL/min and a dialysate flow rate of 600 mL/min). It is not known whether FTC can be removed by peritoneal dialysis. Tenofovir is efficiently removed by hemodialysis with an extraction coefficient of approximately 54%.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Because BIKTARVY is a complete regimen, coadministration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended. ( 7.1 ) Consult the Full Prescribing Information prior to and during treatment for important drug interactions. ( 4 , 5.2 , 7 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Other Antiretroviral Medications Because BIKTARVY is a complete regimen, coadministration with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . Comprehensive information regarding potential drug-drug interactions with other antiretroviral medications is not provided because the safety and efficacy of concomitant HIV-1 antiretroviral therapy is unknown. 7.2 Potential for BIKTARVY to Affect Other Drugs BIC inhibits organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter 1 (MATE1) in vitro . Coadministration of BIKTARVY with drugs that are substrates of OCT2 and MATE1 (e.g., dofetilide) may increase their plasma concentrations (see Table 3 ). 7.3 Potential Effect of Other Drugs on One or More Components of BIKTARVY BIC is a substrate of CYP3A and UGT1A1. A drug that is a strong inducer of CYP3A and also an inducer of UGT1A1 can substantially decrease the plasma concentrations of BIC which may lead to loss of therapeutic effect of BIKTARVY and development of resistance [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The use of BIKTARVY with a drug that is a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and also an inhibitor of UGT1A1 may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of BIC. TAF is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Co-administration of drugs that inhibit P-gp and BCRP may increase the absorption and plasma concentrations of TAF [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration of drugs that induce P-gp activity are expected to decrease the absorption of TAF, resulting in decreased plasma concentration of TAF, which may lead to loss of therapeutic effect of BIKTARVY and development of resistance (see Table 3 ). 7.4 Drugs Affecting Renal Function Because FTC and tenofovir are primarily excreted by the kidneys by a combination of glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion, coadministration of BIKTARVY with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion may increase concentrations of FTC, tenofovir, and other renally eliminated drugs and this may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Some examples of drugs that are eliminated by active tubular secretion include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . 7.5 Established and Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 3 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions with recommended prevention or management strategies. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with either BIKTARVY, the components of BIKTARVY (BIC, FTC, and TAF) as individual agents, or are drug interactions that may occur with BIKTARVY [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Table 3 Established and Potentially Significant Table is not all inclusive. Drug Interactions: Alteration in Regimen May be Recommended Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↑ = Increase, ↓ = Decrease. Clinical Comment Antiarrhythmics: dofetilide ↑ Dofetilide Coadministration is contraindicated due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening events associated with dofetilide therapy [see Contraindications (4) ] . Anticonvulsants: carbamazepine Drug-drug interaction study was conducted with either BIKTARVY or its components as individual agents. oxcarbazepine phenobarbital phenytoin ↓ BIC ↓ TAF Coadministration with alternative anticonvulsants should be considered. Antimycobacterials: rifabutin rifampin , Strong inducer of CYP3Aand P-gp, and inducer of UGT1A1. rifapentine ↓ BIC ↓ TAF Coadministration with rifampin is contraindicated due to the effect of rifampin on the BIC component of BIKTARVY [see Contraindications (4) ] . Coadministration with rifabutin or rifapentine is not recommended. Herbal Products: St. John's wort The induction potency of St. John's wort may vary widely based on preparation. ↓ BIC ↓ TAF Coadministration with St. John's wort is not recommended. Medications or oral supplements containing polyvalent cations (e.g., Mg, Al, Ca, Fe): Calcium or iron supplements Cation-containing antacids or laxatives Sucralfate Buffered medications ↓ BIC Antacids containing Al/Mg: BIKTARVY can be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids containing Al/Mg. Routine administration of BIKTARVY together with, or 2 hours after, antacids containing Al/Mg is not recommended. Supplements or Antacids containing Calcium or Iron: BIKTARVY and supplements or antacids containing calcium or iron can be taken together with food. Routine administration of BIKTARVY under fasting conditions together with, or 2 hours after, supplements or antacids containing calcium or iron is not recommended. Metformin ↑ Metformin Refer to the prescribing information of metformin for assessing the benefit and risk of concomitant use of BIKTARVY and metformin. 7.6 Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with BIKTARVY Based on drug interaction studies conducted with BIKTARVY or the components of BIKTARVY, no clinically significant drug interactions have been observed when BIKTARVY is combined with the following drugs: ethinyl estradiol, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, midazolam, norgestimate, sertraline, sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir.
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- How is Biktarvy rated?
- pharmaranks gives Biktarvy a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Biktarvy?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Biktarvy. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Biktarvy?
- Biktarvy is marketed by Gilead Sciences Inc. You can see Gilead Sciences Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Biktarvy a brand-name or generic drug?
- Biktarvy is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Bictegravir Sodium and Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate.
- Is Biktarvy available over the counter?
- No. Biktarvy is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Biktarvy come in?
- Biktarvy is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Biktarvy FDA-registered?
- Biktarvy is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA210251. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Biktarvy been recalled by the FDA?
- Biktarvy has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Biktarvy safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Biktarvy a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Biktarvy?
- Biktarvy's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling: Severe Acute Exacerbations of Hepatitis B [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Immune Reconstitution Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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