Bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2018

For HIV Infection "Was previously on Stribild, which worked great. No problems at all. Doc switched me to Biktarvy. Supposedly not as harsh on liver, stomach, bones, etc. First week I felt lethargic. Still able to function and work. After the first week, things have been great. No side effects. No night terrors. Weird thing is... I had bizarre dreams and nightmares way before I was positive. Seems to be working well with my body. Been on it about 3 months now. Best health!"

• Cha...
• July 4, 2019

For HIV Infection "Have been on Biktarvy for 3 months since switching from Descovy. I like it as it's cheaper and only 1 tablet. I came on this platform to check if anyone has my side effects. For the past month, I have noticed that my butt and hips are sore, also, the soles of my feet hurt if I'm barefoot on my rug, so sensitive. So far, I've noticed 2 other people with butt soreness, so I'm confident it's from Biktarvy. Has anyone found a good remedy for this soreness?"

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was on Atripla for 6 years, never had any issues or side effects. My doctor said Biktarvy is better because in the long term, it decreases the likelihood of kidney problems, but after 4 days of taking Biktarvy, I am having terrible nausea and terrible gas odor, and I am sweating a lot when I sleep and am having insomnia. I will talk to him to switch back to Atripla."

• Red...
• October 12, 2022

For HIV Infection "My experience with Biktarvy has not been good. Always tired all the time. Would NOT recommend if you want to have any energy. No energy makes you want to sleep, but it is hard to get and stay asleep. This did not get any better months, even a year later."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV on July 14th, 2021. The only unprotected sex I had was in 2005, so I probably had it for 16 years. My viral load was 150,000, and my CD4 was 40. I was diagnosed because I suffered from pneumocystis pneumonia, which was treated with Bactrim DS and prednisone. I started Biktarvy on July 15th, 2021. I had a blood test done on August 11th, 2021, and I saw my microbiologist on August 18th, 2021. I am now undetectable, and my CD4 went up to 250. From reading this post, I might be one of the only few that the medication works without any side effects, but it is working for me. Maybe because I did not take any of the earlier drugs available. I don't know, but I just wanted to share so new HIV diagnosed people are not scared to try it. Hope everyone is hanging out there. Hopefully, a real cure is coming soon. Take care and be safe."

• Jai...
• June 9, 2020

For HIV Infection "I got infected with HIV in January 2020. I have started treatment on the 27th of February. My viral load and CD4 count were 1800 and 416, respectively, when I started treatment. Now, after three months of treatment, my viral load is less than 40 and CD4 count is 430. I don’t have any side effects. Biktarvy is amazing!!"

• Poz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

For HIV Infection "UPDATE: As I’ve written, I was diagnosed March 31, 2019, and started Biktarvy April 19. After, what, 6 weeks? Here are my labs: CD4 = was 100...now 217 Viral Load = was 50,000...now 41. Near-miraculous results! Thank you, God, and thank you, Biktarvy!"

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2019

For HIV Infection "It is incredible how quickly my viral load went down to 53, which is clearly near undetectable. I got my first blood test 2 weeks after I started, and we are all amazed. My CD4 went from 97 to 153. I had two nausea moments at the grocery store at the beginning, but it has stopped. I feel less shame taking only a tiny cute pill a day. I actually take more supplement pills: green tea and selenium. I found it could help with the immune system. I also took probiotics for a kick when I was with very low CD4. My doctor was worried I would catch all sorts of deadly diseases, and now she only wants to see me in three months! It took 2 weeks to achieve what would take more time with older treatments. Very happy! Also, I had candidiasis on my tongue. They are fungi. The Nystatin they prescribed didn't work, so I bought 2 essential oils: clove and tea tree mixed with some cocoa oil. Within a week, the fungus was all gone! Along with Biktarvy, I am healing fast. Science moved forward in 2019!"

• Mal...
• July 13, 2021

For HIV Infection "No! I’m only taking this because my insurance stopped covering Stribild, which was it for me. My body does NOT like Biktarvy. Rashes across my body and face, itching like crazy, heart palpitations, first 2-3 days my heart rate kept dropping, like in the 50s even when I was walking around. Felt like someone turned up the gravity several notches when my heart rate would drop. Very weird sensation. Also getting random severe fatigue and needing extra sleep. I get lightheaded at times too. I’m about 3 weeks in, and it’s progressively getting worse and worse. Oh, and my allergies are worse, like my body is already maxed out with histamines from Biktarvy. I’ve taken Atripla, which had weird dreams, dizziness, and nausea. Then to Stribild, which was the best. Now this pill. First recommendation is Stribild, then Atripla. And I don’t recommend Biktarvy at all."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2021

For HIV Infection "I switched to Biktarvy from Truvada and Viramune on the 1st of June 2021, big mistake. I came down with a chest infection, severe mood swings and irritability, loss of weight, rash on my penis (and I’ve not had any form of sex for six months), looking pale and washed out, chills, temp 37.8, strange dreams, and generally feeling unwell. I’ve just been left like this. I’ve had the same symptoms in the past when I was on Descovy, but my HIV doctor kept dismissing my symptoms. Now Biktarvy and Descovy both have TAF, so proof is in the pudding! Be careful before switching to Biktarvy, as all medication affects people differently."

• Poz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV on March 30, 2019. It’s probably been in my body for 10+ years... who knows? (Viral load 50,000-80,000, CD4 100.) Started taking Biktarvy April 19, 2019. Just took my 7th dose this morning. So far, so good; no side effects. I seem to feel better. I don’t know if it’s the drug yet or if it’s me, glad to know what my symptoms were attributed to and finally being treated. Time will tell. But I am very optimistic!"

• Aar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was recently diagnosed with HIV, though I was infected six months ago. My CD4 count is 80 and the viral load is around 13K. I found another person who was infected by the same person I was, and he said he was on this medication. On Monday, I saw the specialist and told him about what I had learned, and he prescribed Biktarvy as well. So far, so good, though it's only been two days. I suddenly have a LOT more energy. It may be due to the strong antibiotics, though (or a placebo effect). Other than a little stomach discomfort at first, I have not had any side effects (though that could be the antibiotics too). It's only been two days, and we'll see how this does long-term. I'm hopeful. The biggest downside is the $100 copay. I want to take it out of the hide of the person who infected me. He knew he was HIV positive (and I didn't) and removed his condom (without me knowing). I'm hoping the coupons I found will reduce the copay."

• Stu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2022

For HIV Infection "Got switched to Biktarvy and was on it for 7 weeks. The first lot of bloods I was U/D still and CD4 up by 70, although I was so tired all the time and with total lack of energy. The pain in my legs made it very uncomfortable to walk. Most alarmingly, though, was the depression (I’ve had before), it was on another level for me: huge feelings of doom, agitation, and anger that were too much for me. So I reached out to the consultant and she switched me to Odefsey. Fingers crossed it will be a better experience."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For HIV Infection "I’m about to start this medication after a year of taking Genvoya, which resulted in massive weight gain. Genvoya put my weight to 180 lb from 145 lb in a year, so I’m really hoping this drug doesn’t have any extreme side effects. I’ll gladly keep you posted."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2019

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in 06/2018. Started on Genvoya and switched to try this medicine due to the fact you can take it with or without food. The first couple of days have been a little rocky if side effects persist. I will switch back to Genvoya."

• Oll...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2019

For HIV Infection "Been on Biktarvy last 2 months now, went from 3 pills a day to 1. I feel fine, only thing I will say is my blood pressure has gone up and I got a call from the hospital to go back for more blood tests because kidney function is not how it should be. I don't know yet if it's related to this tablet or just years of being on HIV meds, as I've been on meds for over 10 years."

• Ton...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2021

For HIV Infection "My meds were changed to Biktarvy, they said it was better for me. Was on Prezcobix and Descovy. Biktarvy side effects are real - two days after starting the drug, I got headaches, dizziness, and a respiratory infection. My doctor says that's hogwash and not side effects. Had to get a second opinion, and he was wrong, they were side effects, and had to go back to Prezcobix and Descovy. It was difficult to get him to switch back to my old drugs. I guess they get a kickback from the pharmaceutical. Don't take this drug, Biktarvy."

• Luk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2021

For HIV Infection "I have taken various drugs for the treatment of HIV over the course of many years, and I am definitely a very long-term survivor. I just recently switched from Genvoya to Biktarvy and have had several unpleasant side effects from day one. The worst being nausea and stomach pain, along with headache and even worse insomnia. The side effects have been so severe I do not wish to continue this medication and will go back to Genvoya, as I am certain the side effects will worsen with this drug. I have been miserable for the last two days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 23, 2025

For HIV Infection "It definitely keeps my numbers in good standing, but I have a lot of lower back pain almost daily. Other than that, the medicine works great. Oh, and I’ve gained weight, but with diet and exercise, it’s not a big deal."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2025

For HIV Infection "Normal medication, better than many. Gained a little weight, but it's not critical. All therapy is toxic and causes side effects. This is chemistry that we take daily, so Biktarvy is a modern medication, light and productive. Load 0 C4-600"

• Fev...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 18, 2020

For HIV Infection "Was diagnosed about 7 years ago. Had 200k copies, CD4 130, which is an immediate AIDS diagnosis. First was Stribild, all good, was getting better very fast. Then they switched me to Genvoya, even better, no side effects that I could notice. About a year ago, switched to Stribild. I don't know if I'm having side effects or not, but I do feel a bit less healthy, however, -20 copies and CD4 1,344. God bless every one of you. Please take your meds!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV in October 2018. After all tests, I started my treatment with Biktarvy in December 2018, and I became undetectable in January 2019, so it works. One of the side effects that I observe is infrequent muscle pains. I haven't observed other side effects."

• Rob...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 8, 2025

For HIV Infection "I have been positive since 2013. I began taking Stribild, which brought me to undetectable within a month. I have been taking Biktarvy since 2019. I have been undetectable the entire time. I haven't had any side effects and am truly grateful! I know it is hard to figure out what to do when you get diagnosed. These drugs have worked fantastically for me, and I hope they work great for others. I also am very thankful for the Gilead co-pay assistance program; it brings my co-pay to zero. After 12 years, I can say I feel fantastic, and HIV is just another part of my life that I take a pill for. HIV is not what defines me at all; it's just another manageable health issue to take care of."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2025

For HIV Infection "After seroconversion, I was immediately put on Biktarvy. Over four years later, I am as healthy as ever at 23. I have no reportable side effects to recount other than the occasional upset stomach every now and then, but that can be settled by eating. I have no trouble remembering to take doses, and I’ve never had a viral load spike at any time. Thank you to all the researchers who empowered the discovery of this and other similar medications!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2021

For HIV Infection "02/13/2021 is the date of my diagnosis. My CD4 count at the time of my diagnosis had been 700, but my VL was 1,750,000. My body didn’t develop antibodies because the HIV infection had been just a day to a few weeks in. I started Biktarvy on 02/17/2021 and have had zero side effects. I work in a maximum-security prison and had the doctor at my job write me a script for the CD4 count and VL. The CD4 came back at 1,030, which is a drastic increase, and we are awaiting the VL count. My Infectious Disease doctor doesn’t want to do labs until a few months. Hopefully, when the VL results come back, I am close to being undetectable or very near to it."