User Reviews for Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)

Tried Biktarvy two times, first 1.5 months and then another 1 month. Both times it caused fatigue during the day, even when I take it before bed. It made it impossible for me to work out - simply no energy for it. It also caused noticeable depression (no interest or energy to do anything) and dark dreams. These side effects did not diminish with time, which made it impossible for me to continue with Biktarvy. I switched back to 2x600mg Isentress and Descovy and feel much better. No depression, no bad dreams, and energy to workout every day.Read More Read Less

Diagnosed with full blown AIDS in 1987, I've survived many horrible side effects from many toxic antivrals that are no longer in use. I started Biktarvy and PIFELTRO on 14 January 2023 to reduce my pill count i was taking 4 pills 2x daily. The reduced pill count was the only reason to change med. Within a month of starting the new regime I started, strange all over body aches, intense fatigue, constant headache that is no my usual migraine, depression and suicidal ideation. Doctor says all my blood work is great. Now 16 May 2024, I no quality of life. Doctor says, but your blood work is perfect. Fir me, That doesn't matter since I can't function in life. I've gone from active to inactive and miserable. If they can't change my meds, I think I will discontinue and face the demise I witnessed so many people go through back in the 80s. I just don't see the point in miserable existence and relying on others to take care of my daily needs. I wish all of you the very best and hope Biktarvy works for you. Peace out Read More Read Less

I just got diagnosed with HIV-1 (EIA/NAA). I have no idea what's good or bad yet. The clinic gave this to me as a beginner medication. I'm still waiting for more lab results to identify the viral load and level I'm on. My symptoms are very similar to AIDs, but I'm not certain of anything past a confirmation of HIV-1.

the individual tablets packaged in the "pop-out" are terrible idea. VERY difficult to open them without scissors. please STOP packaging this way. I showed my pharmacist and she agreed. The next batch was supposed to come in a bottle but it didnt. Terrible marketing idea.

Easy to swallow, once a day pill... The only side effect was some vivid dreams.

This made me gain a lot of weight real fast. 30 lbs. I've never weighed that much. Acute stomach issues. The only psych effects was depression and wanting to sleep all the time, only because it was making me so sick. My stomach bloated, and horrid gas, and cramping like my stomach was on fire. And milk issues I've never had before. I don't know if this is normal, but it sent my T3 cell counts higher than the moon! I'm so glad I'm off that ride! I stood it for all most 3 years (2018). I just started a new med once daily, one pill, and it seem's to be wonderful. WHEW!Read More Read Less

I was diagnosed in 2017 and started Biktarvy 8 months ago. Iâ??ve experienced an incredible fatigue and an intense depression with suicidal ideation. Iâ??ve never experienced such a mood before.

I started taking BIKTARVY end of June 2020. On July 30th I slipped in my shower and fell and broke my femur bone and discontinued the drug. What was odd was this fall as not that bad, I had been in many situations that were worse in my life and did not even bruise myself. In January of 2021 I restarted the drug. I began developing small rash spots, psoriasis, high fevers and sleeping 20 hours, all in which landed me in the hospital where many scans later indicated I have lystic lesions in bones all over my body. The psoriasis was in my head and caused excruciating pain. The hospital diagnosed me with a bone cancer and put me through such a traumatic situation. It was so bad I AMA’d myself (signed myself) out of the hospital. I stopped taking biktarvy for the second time. After two weeks of getting the courage to go, I went to another health system to treat my situation where after some scans and a bone biopsy, discovered that the lesions were now gone (or at least no new ones were found) and filled with cartilage and had no malignant cells, bacteria, or fungal findings in my biopsy. The doctors and myself hold the drug biktarvy responsible for the truth is in the pudding. I’m not going to write that it’ll happen to everyone but the drug has had a detrimental effect to my health that was unwarranted. I suggest rethinking this and choose alternative routes.Read More Read Less

I tested positive in 2003 and in 2005 came down with full blown AIDS. Thankfully I did recover and since my doctor has had me take many of the HIV MEDS. Some had no side effects some had none. This was does not seem to have caused any side effects with me and I take it in the evening to avoid any fatigue. I hate the feeling of fatigue and so far no problems. I have been on this med since Aug 2020.

I was diagnosed with hiv in 1991, I have been on so. Many hiv meds and this drug is the easiest meds I have ever have taken no side effects no nothing love it ??

It's a small pill and it has kept me undetectable for over a year. I don't have to take it with food which makes it very convenient. I don't really have side effects, maybe some vivid dreams here and there but not sure if its the medicine or stress related. Previously I was on Genvoya and it caused me some GI issues. If you are starting treatment, please understand it is normal to experience side effects for the first few weeks because your immune system is being built back up and clearing out infections from your body. I'm grateful how easy and advanced HIV treatment has become. So until there is a cure (which is on the horizon), stay on treatment..stay undetectable. You have many options, Biktarvy is just one of them.Read More Read Less

I started taking this for 2 weeks and absolutely zero side effects. My D# was 402 and should be way above that soon. 11/8/19

Wrighting this review in honor of my cousin, he was taking this for a few months noticed a major change in his moods and thoughts and dreams, told doc about the mood changes and they blew it off, 4 days after his doc appointment he hung himself. He was fine never had suicidal problems or mental issues till this drug. Seek help if notice anything like this, he was only 23

I was diagnosed with the HIV.. my viral load was over 125,000 and my cd-4 levels dropped to .03. i was literally on my way out the door. within months, my viral load dropped to 133 - and cby counts was well over 60.. i take daily regiment every night.. so im not AS groggy during the day. Nausea and diarrhea is real. i just caught the flu virus last week and biktarvy built my white blood cells up enough to save my life.

Since taking Biktarvy i've been able to tolerate my food and sleep. Taking one pill a day is always better than taking 3. Love it!

I started taking biktarvy 1.5 months ago when I was diagnosed positive my viral load was 78600 copies and my CD4 was 60 I had another test a little over one month after I began taking biktarvy my viral load dropped to 80 copies and my CD4 went up to 346. I along with my doctor was amazed on how fast it reacted in my body I feel 100% better and put about 23 lbs on engery levels are back to normal and I have so far seen any side effects. I couldnâ??t be more happier of the results !

I just got switched from Tivicay and descovy, to biktarvy about a week ago. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I seem more tired, joints achey, face/eyes look tired, and I seem to be slurring or not speaking verbally correct like I did before I was switched, kinda loopy, diarrhea, belching a lot burping, and vomiting when I burp sometimes on occasion. yeah I definitely believe I am getting minor schizophrenia side effects I believe, although unsure it is all related. So far not really impressed. How long is too long with these sysmtoms and when should I speak up to doctor or begin to worry? Honestly I miss my old meds, I had no side effects with descovey and Tivicay. On a side note I am also taking isoniazid 300 mg tablets and vitamin b-6 with the biktavy daily. Read More Read Less

Has anyone experieced any type of psychosis type side effects when taking this medication ?