Biktarvy may cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. Too much lactic acid is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse after you stop using Biktarvy. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Biktarvy if you are allergic to antiviral medicines that contain emtricitabine or tenofovir (such as Atripla, Complera, Emtriva, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Stribild, or Truvada).
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Biktarvy. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you also use:
dofetilide; or
rifampin.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease (especially cirrhosis or hepatitis B); or
kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines to control your infection. Your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Biktarvy on the baby.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
How should I take Biktarvy?
Take Biktarvy exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Biktarvy is a complete regimen and is not for use with other antiviral medications.
You may take Biktarvy with or without food. If you take a multivitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron or calcium, take it with food at the same time you take Biktarvy.
You will need frequent medical tests.
Store in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse in the months after you stop using Biktarvy. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.
