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What if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 17, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Do not miss a dose of Biktarvy. The HIV virus may develop resistance to Biktarvy and become harder to treat.

If you miss one dose of Biktarvy (bictegravir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine), take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.

Missing your dose of HIV medicine is not something you should do, and here's why.

When your tablets supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy right away.

The recommended dosage of Biktarvy is one tablet once daily with or without food. Biktarvy can be used in adults and children weighing at least 14 kg (31 lbs). Biktarvy is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

There may be certain times when you might have to alter your dose schedule. For example:

What if I run out of Biktarvy?

Always get your Biktarvy prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Your pharmacy may be able to set up a special monthly refill reminder for you by phone call or text, or even ship it to you automatically. It is very important that you do not miss any doses of Biktary.

If you regularly miss doses of your HIV medication, this will increase your risk for drug resistance. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about ways to help you remember your daily dose. For example:

Related questions

What if I take too much Biktarvy?

If you take too much Biktarvy, contact your doctor or the poison control center (1-800-222-1222) immediately, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Bottom Line

It is very important you do not miss any doses of Biktarvy (bictegravir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine). If you do miss one dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Try not to miss doses. Taking your medicine as prescribed will help you to keep your HIV under control and help prevent drug resistance. Biktarvy will work better if you do not miss any doses.

If you have trouble remembering your daily dose, you can use an app to set a daily reminder, take it at the same time each day to get into a routine, or keep an organized pill box that might be helpful if you take several different medications in one day.

This is not all the information you need to know about Biktarvy for safe and effective use and does not replace your healthcare provider's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

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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What is the generic name for Biktarvy?

The generic name for Biktarvy is bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. It's is a 3-drug combination given as once-daily, oral, single tablet regimen for HIV treatment. Biktarvy is not used for HIV prevention.

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