Biktarvy and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Ano...
• March 7, 2021

For HIV Infection "I’ve been on Biktarvy since I was diagnosed over 2 years ago. When I started, my viral load was in the millions, and my CD4 was 150. Just 3 months after starting the drug, my viral load was undetectable and CD4 raised to 700. I’m 2 years positive now and am in the best health of my life! I have minimal side effects. The drug gives me constant gas, and at times I feel muscle fatigue, but other than that, no major side effects. I began to gain a little weight at the 18-month point but adjusted my diet and exercise and feel the best I’ve ever felt! My doctor just told me my VL is 18 and my CD4 is 1200! My blood levels are all normal or above normal, and besides the VL of 18, there’s no evidence elsewhere that I’m HIV positive. My suggestion for those beginning it is to give it time, work out, and eat better."

• ll2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2018

For HIV Infection "So I have been on this medication for about a week, and I was on Genvoya beforehand, but the doctor switched me because I had lots of weight gain and my cholesterol was skyrocketing. But since being on Biktarvy, my face has cleared up dramatically, and my skin is glowing, and my appetite has shrunk too. So far, I am liking this medication, and I am honestly getting more rest and feeling more energized than how I was on Genvoya."

• 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"

• 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."

• 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."

• Ras...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2022

For HIV Infection "I started on Truvada and Dolutegravir in 2019 when I was first diagnosed with VL 300k and CD4 250. I started getting a rash, mostly on my neck and forehead. Within 3 months, my CD4 was 1k and VL undetectable. Since side effects are manageable, I continued. After a year, my doctor let me switch to Biktarvy for the single dose. The side effects seem similar, but since then, I have put on 20 lb of weight and had one episode of depression. Both are worrying since I have never experienced them in my life (now I am in my late 40s). The doctor assured me that they are not related to the meds but possibly due to a change of lifestyle during the pandemic. I have experimented with morning vs. evening dosing for the past year. It seems that I get a worse rash, dry mouth, oily scalp, joint pain, and less sleep when I take Biktarvy before sleep. If I take it during the day, I am more prone to lethargy but have less side effects. Slightly worrying is that my VL goes up slightly to 50 when I take Biktarvy in the morning. Stay strong, everyone."

• Pri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 22, 2025

For HIV Infection "I started using Biktarvy almost 5 years ago, within the first month, it was non-detectable. I did gain weight, unfortunately, and have mood swings where things are fine and all of a sudden things aren't, and I am upset and crying for no reason. I get tired easier and sweat profusely just doing simple housework. But to myself, it's a good trade for being alive and can't pass this. And just so people know, I was not a promiscuous person, never did any IV drugs or anything else, been with my boyfriend since 2015. Unfortunately, he had been arrested one night, and a man infected woke him up by biting his fingers. That's how we became HIV positive. The man knew he had it and was yelling at him, and another he bit. Welcome to his world now! Thank you for your time."

• 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."

• Dut...
• March 22, 2020

For HIV Infection "I notice more gas since on Biktarvy. I also gained weight when starting Biktarvy. I may sleep slightly better than Atripla."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2023

For HIV Infection "I am undetected, but I’m gaining weight very fast, constantly gaining weight."

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2023

For HIV Infection "Tremendous weight gain. I’m not willing to see if it gets worse. Switching to a medication with the original form tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)."