Biktarvy: A Comprehensive Guide covering Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Introduction: Biktarvy is a medication that is used to treat HIV, a virus that attacks the body's immune system. It is a combination of three active ingredients: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Biktarvy is an antiviral medication that works by preventing the virus from multiplying and preventing the virus from causing harm to the body. In this article, we will discuss in detail the uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options of Biktarvy. Uses: Biktarvy is used to treat HIV, a virus that affects the immune system. It is used to lower the amount of HIV in the body and prevent the virus from multiplying. Biktarvy is a complete regimen that can be taken alone without any other antiviral medication. It is used to treat: - Adults who have never taken any HIV medicine before. - Adults who are already on HIV medication and who have an undetectable viral load. - Adults who are switching from another HIV medication regimen. Dosage: The recommended dosage for Biktarvy is one tablet taken orally once daily with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or divided. Patients should take the medication at the same time every day to ensure consistent levels of medication in the blood. Dosage adjustments are not required for patients with mild or moderate renal or hepatic impairment. However, Biktarvy has not been evaluated in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Demographic: Biktarvy is approved for adults who are HIV-positive. It is not recommended for children or adolescents under the age of 18 years. Biktarvy has been studied in clinical trials with over 2,000 HIV-positive adult patients who have never taken any HIV medication before. The majority of patients in these trials were male (81%) and white (50%). The average age of the patients was 36 years. Side Effects: Common side effects of Biktarvy include: - Headache - Diarrhea - Nausea - Fatigue - Dizziness Serious side effects may include: - Severe liver problems - Worsening of hepatitis B virus infection - Lactic acidosis - Severe skin and allergic reactions - Bone problems Patients should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms: - Jaundice - Dark-colored urine - Light-colored stools - Loss of appetite - Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain - Unusual tiredness - Weakness - Muscle pain or weakness - Trouble breathing Interactions: Drugs that may interact with Biktarvy include: - Medications that lower the body's immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and cancer chemotherapy. - Medications that may damage the liver, such as alcohol and acetaminophen. - Medications that may increase the risk of kidney damage, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Generic Options: Biktarvy is a relatively new medication and does not have a generic version available on the market. Biktarvy is manufactured by Gilead Sciences, Inc., and was approved by the FDA in February 2018. Currently, there are no known generic options for Biktarvy. Conclusion: Biktarvy is a medication that is used to treat HIV, a virus that attacks the body's immune system. It is a combination of three active ingredients: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Biktarvy is approved for adults who are HIV-positive and is not recommended for children or adolescents under the age of 18 years. The recommended dosage for Biktarvy is one tablet taken orally once daily with or without food. Common side effects of Biktarvy include headache, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Currently, there are no known generic options for Biktarvy.