Biktarvy and Nausea: What Users Say

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2021

For HIV Infection "I don't know what to think or how to feel about Biktarvy. I have experienced diarrhea, nausea, brain fog, lightheadedness, and faintness. Now I'm experiencing headaches, pressure on the head, and my head feels heavy at times. The doctor says the meds are working, but why do I feel so bad if I'm healing? I have been to the ER several times and they all have said that my blood work looks fine and they can't find anything wrong. I don't know if I should change my meds, or if this is normal to have these types of side effects. I've been having bad days since 02/15/2021. At times I feel better and at times I feel irritable. I don't feel sick or ill, I just feel slow-motion at times. I pray that someone finds a cure or vaccine to get rid of this virus. A cure or vaccine for all. I'm on my knees begging whoever has the knowledge to come up with the cure for HIV and AIDS to please have a heart and cure us all, please."

• Dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2020

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed with HIV in 2014 and have remained undetectable with 960+ CD4 counts taking Triumeq ever since. On it, I experienced light nausea and occasional insomnia. My doctor suggested I switch to Biktarvy for future kidney benefits. After 3 months on Biktarvy, my long hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows have fallen out. It began with a few extra hairs on my brush to now bald patches all over my head. I don’t have a history of alopecia. All labs to rule out other causes came back normal. A dermatologist found no external causes. The only change in my life has been the switch in HIV meds. Regardless, the doctor insisted that it cannot be related to Biktarvy and wanted me to continue on it. I refused and asked to be put back on Triumeq. I know hair loss is not considered a side effect of Biktarvy, but I am posting in case others out there are experiencing it. I will update on any changes made by going back to Triumeq."

• Ted...
• September 25, 2018

For HIV Infection "30 years HIV+. This Biktarvy is nasty & experimental & a $10 billion dollar bonanza for the company pushing this poison. Here's why... took it for a month. Gave me upper pain in stomach just below rib cage. Gave me nasty smelling severe diarrhea, smelt like traveling behind a vehicle with emergency brakes on while burning oil. That smell made me nauseous. At night time, would get a reflux that was nasty like raw crude oil taste. Very dry mouth, teeth, and tongue. Gave me horrible night and day sweats behind neck, behind knees, armpits, and inner elbows. Gotten extremely dry mouth. Called my doctor, went back to taking good ole Atripla. My gut, heart, 6th sense, guardian angel, and mind tell me Biktarvy is bad juju. Had very dark nightmares and dark depression. Actually awoken up from my dark nightmares... In my opinion, this drug is terrible and scares me to death. Doubt they'll publish this. I'll save in favorites and check back. Very angry my doctor pushed this drug on me. Kickbacks?"

• Tir...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 4, 2020

For HIV Infection "Diagnosed in 1988. The lack of sleep is the worst. I wake up multiple (5 - 10x) in a 5-hour span. I am tired constantly, achy, foot pain, lower back pain, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and extremely depressed over how poorly I feel. I called my doc and requested a change of meds. I have lost my eyebrows, losing eyelashes, and hair is thinning. He doesn't believe these issues are caused by the medicine, but I believe it is as the issues didn't happen until after I started Biktarvy."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2021

For HIV Infection "I’m part of the 5% of HIV+ patients who get strong side effects. Started with Atripla, Truvada, and two others until Genvoya. This Wednesday my doctor decided to switch to Biktarvy because my CD4 was at 976 and I generally have over 1200, and because my cholesterol was high. I experienced dizziness, 20 minutes after taking all, blood would rush into my head and feel extremely high. I had diarrhea over 15 times in a day. Nausea, intestines felt like I had acid running, burning... headache. Abnormal dreams and insomnia, extreme psychosis. I only slept 3 hours in two days. On the second day was desperate, frustrated, and depressed... I’m not suicidal, but just wished I didn't have to live like this. Motivation zero, felt inhuman."

• Meh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For HIV Infection "Started Biktarvy 3 months ago. Now HIV is undetectable, but I have to take sleeping pills. Vivid dreams are occasional, and I often feel tired and with nausea. But you get used to it. Much rather take this pill than not be here anymore."

• Mad...
• January 2, 2019

For HIV Infection "Just started, and it is going to be a month in 5 days. This is the worst antiviral pill I have ever been on. I was on Tiscavy and Descovy. I have the worst stomach pain and nausea, as well as night terrors to the point that my husband wakes me up. We are not lab rats to experiment on. I’m so mad...been HIV+ going on 8 years."

• Ste...
• September 15, 2019

For HIV Infection "I've been taking this medication for ten days now. On day four, I started struggling with insomnia. On day six, I started to notice tingly and itchy skin (all over) and would struggle with night sweats. On day eight, I started to break into hives in my upper torso. My doctor has insisted that I continue to take this medication along with an antihistamine, which has brought on its own side effects, namely headache and nausea. Stribild, by contrast, had no side effects."

• MEZ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2021

For HIV Infection "Where to start? Diagnosed February 2019, CD4: 10, VL: 250,000. I was a 108 lb, 5'10 man diagnosed with wasting syndrome, cryptococcal pneumonia, and thrush. I spent a week on Descovy and Tivicay because the hospital pharmacy did not have Biktarvy. My first year was honestly rough. I was taking Bactrim, fluconazole (which is terrible), promethazine, and Zofran for my nausea. Oh yeah, 16 mg of Suboxone. Once I started to recover and get myself back on track with a routine, I actually got over 200 pounds. I'm 185 now, of muscle, and honestly only take my Biktarvy every other day, in which I have been undetectable for over a year!!! You have to fight for your life, and yes, suffer some side effects. I've been off of the Suboxone for almost a year. I deal with the leg pains at the gym, give your body a good reason to hurt, and you won't wonder why you hurt...."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2018

For HIV Infection "I recently started Biktarvy, and boy, let me tell you... night terrors. It's a daily occurrence. I am routinely terrified to the point of not wanting to go back to sleep. It's getting worse as days go by. I make sure I don't drink coffee or caffeine 8 hours before bed. I don't use my smartphone before bed either. Starting to now dread going to bed. Night sweats. Sheets now get washed frequently enough to probably warrant buying more sheet sets. Nausea. Has not subsided a few months in, but it's bad when waking up to night terrors. This occurs with or without a meal. After all this, getting back to sleep requires a sleep medication. Gonna try to switch meds."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Raf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2024

For HIV Infection "After several days of having a low-grade fever below 38°C, I decided to go to the hospital where I was tested for HIV. The following week, I received a devastating call from the hospital informing me that the test came back positive and that I was likely infected weeks earlier (acute). I started treatment on November 9, 2023, with a viral load of 1,600,000 copies, and by December 6, it had dropped to 193 copies thanks to Biktarvy. In less than a month, I was almost undetectable. Initially, I experienced side effects like fatigue and nausea, but nothing too severe. Now, after nearly six months, my health actually looks better than before, when I was negative. Thank you, Biktarvy."

• Und...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed 4 years ago and immediately began taking Isentress and Truvada. It took years for me to tolerate those drugs. Their effect on my body was terrible, the smell from my urine and feces was awful. The aches and pains from Isentress were the worst. I had difficulty even moving around from the pain. My doctor prescribed Biktarvy. When I began taking it, I had mild headaches, some nausea, and a lot of gas, but the symptoms subsided. The smell from my urine and feces disappeared, and every bit of joint pain disappeared as well. It was amazing, even better, my viral load in 30 days went from 250 to 101. I feel stronger, less phlegm in my chest, I'm not as tired as I was on Truvada and Isentress. Bottom line is this drug blows away my prior treatment and I highly recommend it. One thing for sure, in order for these meds to properly work, you CANNOT have diarrhea! That interferes with the meds being absorbed by your body, that must be controlled, and continuing unsafe receptive sex can cause diarrhea."

• Lak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2019

For HIV Infection "I was newly diagnosed in November of 2018, however, I was infected in early mid-2017. My viral load was 7086, and within a month of being on it, I went undetectable! Slight nausea in the beginning, but everything is good now!"

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For HIV Infection "Taking this medication for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment because I did not have insurance to cover Truvada and Isentress, and they had this available to me at no cost. I take this at night, and the only side effects are extreme nausea in the morning and vivid dreams."

• Ric...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2021

For HIV Infection "HIV + April 2018, my VL was only 980, but the CD4 was 173. This put me in the AIDS bracket. I started to get thrush on my tongue, and this is a danger sign. I started ART, Tivicay & Descovy. Within 1 month, VL 120, CD4 around 300, thrush had gone, so was out of the danger zone. The side effects for me were not sleeping well, tired all the time, and in a brain fog. I switched to Biktarvy in August 2020. Wow, acid is really bad, even Losec doesn't stop it, teeth enamel eating away, have to drink warm water or teeth really hurt, still tired and brain fog all the time. Now I am 6 months into taking it and have nausea in my stomach all the time, just feel off. Ever since I started ART, I haven't been sharp. Normally, I was quick to do things or solve things quickly, not anymore. The acid and nausea are becoming a big problem, but I am undetectable and CD4 is around 580. So I suppose I should be thankful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2019

For HIV Infection "Just started Biktarvy, my viral load was very high. Dr. recommended Biktarvy. I’ve experienced severe nausea, muscle aches, and I’ve been very tired. This is only the 4th day, so I’ll give it a month to see if the side effects get better. I like how the pill is smaller than Trizivir and you can take it on an empty stomach. I’ll give it a chance."

• Aug...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 12, 2022

For HIV Infection "I was diagnosed in May 2019 and have been taking Biktarvy since then. I had a VL of almost 100k and a CD4 count of 500, so I started out healthier than some people. Biktarvy has been my companion through this entire experience. I have not missed a single dose. Over the past few years, I have experienced some body pains (which were fixed with physical therapy), gastric reflux (fixed by switching to a vegan diet), and nausea after taking my morning dose. I'm not sure if all or some of that has to do with Biktarvy, but they are manageable side effects for me. I have been undetectable consistently since about 3 weeks after my original diagnosis. It sucks to have the burden of needing to find a pharmacy/doctor/access to medication everywhere I move, as an international traveler, it has definitely made a difference in my ability to live abroad. But I work around it. It makes things harder, but not impossible."

• Anonymous
• February 18, 2021

For HIV Infection "Infected in Nov 2020. Diagnosed and started meds in Jan 2021. First bloodwork came back with VL of 25000 and CD4 count of 430. I'm now approaching 2 weeks into the meds. The biggest thing I have noticed is the constant head tension and nausea is now fading. I have more energy as I’m able to work out daily. I have a rash on the back of my neck along with small areas on my arm and hand that’s been there before starting the drug. The neck rash still remains. I also have mucus in my stool that has been there since the start of my infection. I started coughing off and on. I was told that for 1st time HIV med users, your acute symptoms briefly come back as your immune system is strengthening, so I imagine that’s what I’m going through right now. I’m still skeptical in general. I feel some progress, but I also feel like more progress should be happening as I’m almost 2 weeks into the medication. Hopefully I’ll improve more."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2024

For HIV Infection "Boyfriend has been on Biktarvy for a month. Found out on May 3 that he was HIV positive. He had 133,000 copies and a CD4 count of 26. He just got blood work done 3 days ago with a result of 106 copies and a CD4 count of 136. This shows 2 months' progress. At the beginning of Biktarvy, he experienced no symptoms. A month after using Biktarvy, he experienced nausea and headaches that ibuprofen and Zofran couldn't help with. He also had some weight gain, a healthy one. It is a good improvement. Hoping to switch to alternate medications in the future to something less harsh on the organs."

• Dot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2019

For HIV Infection "Side effects of painful rash, red, nauseous, depression, and aching bones. Maybe it works for someone else."