Bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide for HIV Infection User Reviews (Page 3)

• DogLo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2020

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I've been on Biktarvy for almost a year now. I was on Genvoya prior to the switch. All of the following symptoms have been escalating. My BP is high 190/100, bloated with gas, difficult bowel movements because of the gas and now my bad cholesterol is high (never had this before)....so going to doc next week and requesting to go back to Genvoya and see how things go....reading other reviews and I'm happy that so many have better health as a result of getting this medication."

• Srbport
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2021

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "This is my second post on this website. I'm HIV positive since July'2020. I have been on Biktarvy for 4 months. I had my lab tests done after 2 months and a half. My viral load was undetectable and my CD4 raised from 459 yo 595. Not bad so far. Symptoms? I had headaches por a while. They seem to be better now. Keep strong mates!"

• Broseph
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Amazing! Switched over from Truvada & Tivicay after being on those for 3 years. As expected, 0 side effects and 0 complications with the Biktarvy. Couldn’t be happier. Also, taking 1 pill a day vs 2 is nice."

• MEZJK
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 25, 2021

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Where to start? Diagnosed February 2019 CD4:10 VL: 250,000 I was 108lb 5'10 man diagnosed with wasting syndrome cryptococcal pneumonia and thrush. I spent a week on descovy and trivicay 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 16mg of suboxone. Once I started to recover and get myself back on track with a routine 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 foryour 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...."

• Covewiz
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2018

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "The good news is that Biktarvy knocked this into immediate recession AND it got me off Sustiva. The odd things I discovered were twofold. Immediately after starting Bkty I noticed a distinct, totally new, body odor! In the desert we almost never even wear deodorant so this anomaly was a huge surprise. Unpleasant is a good word. Rank would be another and not an odor that MY body had ever produced before. Deodorant was minimally effective. Good news: it seems to have passed out of my in under 3 months and all back to normal. Second issue, not so easily resolved: Extreme dry eye and mouth. To the point of eye infections, eyelash infections, etc. I'm on two different oral rinses all day and now addicted to eye drops. These interactions started exactly what I started Bktvy I'll be curious to see If others report any of these effects."

• Sugas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2021

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Since I've been on Biktarvy I have had severe stomach bloating excess belly fat and thigh fat, extreme fatigue, trouble taking in deep breaths, trouble breathing interrupted sleep pattern, stiff and weak muscles in the legs, cold feet and hands, brittle nails, stiff hands dropping things easy. Not much control of muscle movement, diabetes, weight fluctuation, light headless. Cannot walk long distances and wanting to sit down all the time and severe lower back pain"

• James
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I was diagnosed with HIV on January 7, 2019, I started Biktarvy on January 31, 2019 and now I am happy to say that as of March 14, 2019 I am UNDETECTABLE! I didn't have any side effects from the medication. I recommend this medicine!"

• Longt...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 9, 2022

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I wish I had NEVER taken a single pill produced by Gilead! I was diagnosed in 1995 and because of my compliance, have managed to untilize only a few combination regimens that brought me this far. However, I NEVER had a combination as TOXIC on my system as Biktarvy. I QUIT in October 2021 and will NEVER touch a Gilead product again. I'm CONVINCED they are liars about study results and side effects. My skin is RUINED because of this awful medication. Even the doctor blew off my concerns. Do your research-get multiple opinions-and be SMART. "FOREVER TREATMENT" is the path to major profits for these companies and Doctors. What's best for the patient is no longer the 1st priority. You MUST watch out for yourself and STEER CLEAR of ANYTHING GILEAD!!!"

• smith...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "This is my update on this medication after taking it for 1 month and 10 days. I would say it's very effective. My VL went down from 20,883 to 25 which is undetectable level. And my CD4 is slowly rising from 526 to 571 in a month. Incredible results with no significant side effects so far. I feel less tired and can perform my daily routine well. Thanks to Biktarvy."

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2022

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Biktarvy has been bad for my pancreas. I've been taking it since 2018 and prior to that Descovy. The "nukes" in Biktarvy = Tenofovir Alafenamide and Emtricitabine & are toxic on my organs. The diarrhea is coming from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This means the ingredients in Biktarvy have inflamed my pancreas so much that I no longer produce enough digestive enzymes to break down the food I eat. Consequently, I have to take digestive enzyme pills with EVERY meal or protein shake to allow my body to absorb the food I eat. My pancreas is so inflamed that I've developed CHRONIC (Life long) PANCREATITIS. This condition is worse than HIV in the sense that it makes you feel like your stomach / intestines are on FIRE. This chronic inflammation from the drugs in Biktarvy and their effects on my pancreas have slowly destroyed my pancreatic function and I am now at a much higher risk for developing diabetes and pancreatic cancer. BE WARNED!"

• Norse
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2020

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Got diagnosed in Feb 2020 and immediately started treatment. Went from cd4 660 and vl 40 000 to cd4 889 and undetectable in just three weeks. Very happy. Only felt a little tingling in feet the first few weeks. This however became worse with time, especially after workouts. More a feeling of numbness and sometimes sharp feeling of pain. Also got the same feeling in my hands. Suspected neuropathy. Waited it out another 3-4 weeks but it didn't subside. My doc then took me off Biktarvy and put me on dovato. Gradually feeling better but we'll see. Fingers crossed."

• Drew
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2020

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I started Biktarvy in 2018, and a few weeks later I developed alopecia areata which has continued to worsen since. I have a childhood history of alopecia areata (coin-sized areas of hair loss) which would only last about 3-4 months and then hair would grow back. However, since starting Biktarvy alopecia has actually spread and I’d say I’ve lost 40% of my hair. I saw a few past reviews about hair loss, and I was told it was not the medication but I believe it triggered it because I keep losing hair and it’s been more than 2 years. No other side effects."

• OverIt
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Newly diagnosed around 07/23/2020... VL-14,000, CD4-24 The doctor prescribed me bktarvy, based on my kidney problems. The first week, I felt GREAT no side effects, I felt stronger, happier, gained some weight, and all of the previous symptoms were gone. THE 2ND WEEK, ALTHOUGH I STILL FELT STRONG, I WAS EXPERIENCING VERY EXCRUCIATING CHRONIC MIGRAINES, EVERY SINGLE DAY(SOMETIMES 2X A DAY). The migraines were so intense and unpredictable, that it felt like I was having a stroke, EVERY SINGLE DAY. I could be feeling fine, then all of a sudden, BAM, the migraine hits out of the blue, my eyes starts fluttering, I get dizzy and confused and can't do anything but lay down in front of a fan, because heat is emitting from head and I can't think at all. It is week 3, the nurse recommended that I find another doctor to help with the migraines but she don't recommend me switching meds, and I should continue taking it or I wont get better... THIS IS HORRIBLE"

• TJano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I had my first symptoms if HIV n July 2019 of weakness and lack of appetite. I was a diagnosed on Aug 6. When my blood work came back my viral load was 7,560 and cd4 190. I started Biktarvy on Aug 6 2019. As of Oct 7, my cd4 went up to 450 copies and viral load is now 190. I am so grateful! Doctor also had me on Bactrim until my cd4 went past 400. Thank God!!"

• Coda
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I recently changed my medication from triumeq to biktarvy and the medication is is doing me well I thank my doctor for changing my medication because it's taking away the tingling in my feet that I got from triumeq."

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

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I recently started Biktarvy and boy let me tell you... Night terrors. Its 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/caffeine 8 hours before bed. I don't use my smart phone 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 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."

• Bill
• April 26, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Dr switched me to this from Genvoya (also bad news). After 6 months on it, I never know whether I'm going to pass gas or fill my pants. If its not diarrhea, then its painful gas and a stool too hard to pass and I have to take an enema. Lipodystrophy is worse than norvir. Also now I have diverticulosis which I attribute to biktarvy. I'm going to insist on switching back to my old 3 pill cocktail"

• Carl
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I was on Atripla for 6 years, never had any issues or side effects, my doctor said Biktarvy is better because in a long term decreases the likelihood of kidney problems but after 4 days of taking Biktarvy I am having terrible nausea and terrible gases odor and I am sweating a lot when I sleep and am having insomnia. I will talk to him to switch back to Atripla."

• Paul
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2021

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I switched to Biktarvy from truvada and viramune on the 1st 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 Taff , so proof is in the pudding ! Be careful before switching to Biktarvy as all medication effect people differently"

• Fred
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "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 supplements 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 catch all sort of deadly diseases and now she only wants to see me in three months ! It took 2 weeks to achieved what would take more time with older treatments. Very happy !! Also I had candidasis on my tongue. They are fungus. The Nystatin they prescribed didn't work. So I bought 2 essential oils. Clove and Tea tree mixed with some coco oil. Within a week fungus was all gone! Along with Biktarvy I am healing fast. Science moved forward in 2019!"

• JZano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I switched from Triumeq because of extreme tiredness, but Biktarvy made it even worse. I tried Biktarvy for a week, but I had to switch back because it made me feel like a complete zombie. I was so tired and sleepy that I couldn't get out of bed at all and when I did get out of bed, I felt confused and disoriented. I had no choice but to stop taking it."

• NewDay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2020

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I was Diagnosed on Oct 1 2019, after being screened for PrEP. Guess I was too late. Started on Biktarvy Oct 30th. Started with a VL 18500 and CD4 269. Only slight side effects, dull headache which was relieved with Tylenol and Vivid dreams. First follow up, Dec 4th. VL undetectable, Doc didn't check CD4 at this time. Headaches are less frequent, hydration helps. Second follow up, Mar 4th 2020. VL still undetectable, CD4 count up to 516."

• Danny
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 21, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "I was on Genvoya for about a year, which I liked very much. Only problem was that you had to take with a meal. I had a no problem switch to Biktarvy, which works as well and you can take without food. Have felt good since the switch, maybe even a bit more energetic. Hope it stays like this!"

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

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "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!"

• Chabell
• July 4, 2019

Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) "Have been on Birktavy for 3 months since switching from Descovay. 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 barefooted on my rug so sensitive.. So far I've noticed 2 other people with butt soreness so I'm confident it's from Birktavy.. Has anyone found a good remedy for this soreness"