What if I miss a dose of Biktarvy?
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 on a regular basis, and here's why.
- Missing your HIV medicine may put you at risk for drug resistance, which can reduce the effectiveness of your medicine.
- The amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped, even for a short period of time.
- The HIV virus can develop resistance to Biktarvy and become harder to treat.
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:
- If you take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, you should take your Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these antacids.
- If you take supplements or antacids that contain iron or calcium, take Biktarvy with food at the same time that you take these supplements or antacids.
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 call or text, or even ship it to you. 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:
- you could use an app on your phone to set a daily reminder or alarm
- you can get into a routine of taking it at the same time each day (your daily dose at breakfast, dinner, or bedtime)
- you can use a pill box that may help you organize your medicines better.
Related questions
- Which medicines should not be taken with Biktarvy?
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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
- If you miss one dose of Biktarvy (bictegravir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine), 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.
- 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. Review the full Biktarvy product information here, and discuss this information with your health care provider.
References
- Biktarvy [package insert]. Foster City, CA. Gilead. June 2019 Accessed July 9, 2020 at https://www.gilead.com/~/media/files/pdfs/medicines/hiv/biktarvy/biktarvy_pi.pdf
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 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 reading
See also:
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