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How fast or how long does it take Biktarvy to work?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 13, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

How long does Biktarvy take to work?

Figures from Clinical trials

In clinical trials to measure how well Biktarvy worked to treat HIV, they looked at how much the viral load decreased and whether the CD4 levels increased.

In a clinical trial (NCT02607930) for Bikarvy they looked at what the viral load was in patients after 48 weeks of treatment. After this treatment time 92.4 % of patients had a viral load of <50 copies/mL and 87.6% had a viral load of <20 copies/mL.

They also measured the increase in the number of CD4+ T-cells from median baseline levels and the mean increase was 233 cells/µL.

What is viral load in HIV?

The viral load is the amount of HIV genetic material in your blood. You usually get your viral load measured when you first find out you have HIV and just before you start Biktarvy. You will also get tests done after a month, three months and six months to ensure that the medicine is working for you and that the viral load is reducing.

Related questions

What is an undetectable Viral load?

One of the goals of Biklarvy is to have an undetectable viral load. This is when the amount of HIV genetic material is at a level that is too small to be detected, usually less than 50 copies of HIV per ml of blood (<50 copies/mL). Undetectable doesn’t mean HIV has completely gone from your body, it is just a level that is unmeasurable.

What are CD4+ T cells?

CD4+ T cells are important cells in our immune system. HIV infection causes the number of CD4+ T cells to be reduced. Once the levels become too low, the immune system doesn’t work well and you are more likely to get infections and cancers, leading to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

What is the goal of Biktarvy treatment?

Bottom Line:

References

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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.

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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.

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Is Biktarvy covered by insurance?

Most commercial and government health insurance plans in the U.S. cover some portion of the cost for Biktarvy. Typically a person taking Biktarvy pays between $0 and $5 per month. A co-pay card program for Biktarvy offers up to $7,200 in cost-sharing assistance per year with no monthly limit.

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