Does Biktarvy cause acne?
Acne has not been reported as a side effect of Biktarvy in clinical studies. Rash is an uncommon side effect that occurred in less than 2% of patients taking this medicine. Other skin side effects, such as angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis, and urticaria (hives) have also been reported.
In general, Biktarvy is well tolerated by most patients. The most common side effects in 634 adults in clinical trials were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These side effects tend to be mild and go away in a few days or weeks. If your side effects are severe or do not go away, contact your doctor right away.
In studies, this medicine was stopped due to side effects in only 1% of patients new to HIV treatment.
Other side effects
After Biktarvy was approved, certain side effects of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (under the skin), some of which are serious, were reported in Biktarvy or products containing tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), one of the active ingredients in Biktarvy.
These include:
Because these side effects were reported voluntarily, it is not possible to know how often these side effects occur or if Biktarvy was the cause of these reported side effects.
Does Biktarvy cause allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions can happen with most drugs, including Biktarvy.
Call your doctor right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction, as this could be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
- skin rash, itching, or flushing and redness
- swelling under your skin (especially around your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
- swelling around your face, tongue, mouth or throat
- trouble breathing
What is Biktary approved to treat?
Biktarvy (bictegravir / emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription medicine for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is taken as an oral tablet once per day. It is used in adults and children with HIV-1 who weigh at least 14 kg (31 lb):
- who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past, or
- with an antiretroviral treatment history and not virologically suppressed, with no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to the integrase strand inhibitor class, emtricitabine, or tenofovir, or
- to replace current HIV-1 (antiretroviral) medicines for people whose healthcare provider determines that they are virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies per mL) on a stable antiretroviral regimen with no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to bictegravir or tenofovir.
Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg / emtricitabine 200 mg / tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg) is now approved by the FDA for people with HIV who have a known or suspected M184V/I mutation, a common form of treatment resistance.
Related questions
- Which medicines should not be taken with Biktarvy?
- Can Biktarvy be used for PrEP or PEP?
- What if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?
How does Biktarvy come?
Biktarvy oral, once-daily tablets may be taken with or without food and come in two strengths:
- 50 mg of bictegravir (BIC), 200 mg of emtricitabine (FTC), and 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)
- 30 mg of bictegravir (BIC), 120 mg of emtricitabine (FTC), and 15 mg of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)
For children who cannot swallow a whole tablet, you can split the tablet in half with each part taken separately. All parts should be swallowed within about 10 minutes of splitting.
Biktarvy is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children. It is not used with other HIV medicines to treat HIV infection.
This is not all the information you need to know about Biktarvy for safe use and does not replace your healthcare providers directions. Review the full product information and review this information with your health care provider.
References
- Biktarvy [package insert]. Foster City, CA. Gilead. 07/2025. Accessed Aug 19, 2025 at https://www.gilead.com/~/media/files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/biktarvy/biktarvy_pi.pdf
- Biktarvy.com. Possible side effects of Biktarvy. Gilead Sciences. Accessed 2/27/2024 at https://www.biktarvy.com/important-safety-information/possible-side-effects
Read next
Does Biktarvy cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a side effect with Biktarvy, but it was reported after the drug was approved and it's not known if it was caused by the drug. Studies have shown a weight gain of between 1 kg and 4 kg (2.2 to 8.8 lbs) over 2 years with integrase inhibitors.
Continue reading
Do you have to take Biktarvy forever?
Biktarvy antiretroviral therapy (ART) is taken indefinitely for HIV-1 infection as it is a complete regimen for long-term treatment. Stopping ART can increase blood levels of the HIV virus, lead to resistance, increase your risk for HIV infections and complications and increase the chance that you may transmit the infection to others.
Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol while taking Biktarvy?
There is not a specific warning in the product label against alcohol (ethanol) consumption with Biktarvy, a medication used for HIV treatment. But drinking too much alcohol can damage your liver. Ask your doctor if it is safe and how much alcohol you can drink while taking Biktarvy.
Continue readingSee also:
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Drug information
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