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Is Biktarvy an immunosuppressant?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on June 8, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Biktarvy is not an immunosuppressant, it can actually help your immune system because it increases the number of CD4 T-cells in your blood. T-cells are an important part of your immune system because they help your body fight off infections. Biktarvy reduces the amount of HIV in your body which improves your immune system and reduces your risk of developing illnesses linked to HIV infection.

References
  • Biktarvy (bictegravir sodium, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) Updated 10/2021. Gilead Sciences, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/biktarvy.html
  • Biktarvy. Biktarvy.com https://www.biktarvy.com/

Read next

  • Biktarvy is a complete regimen and use with other antiretroviral medications for the treatment of HIV-1 infection is not recommended.
  • Biktarvy is associated with many drug interactions as it contains three different medicines, increasing your risk for interactions. Have your health care provider check for possible interactions with other prescription medicines, OTCs or herbal you take.
  • You should not take Biktarvy with dofetilide (Tikosyn), a drug used for heart rhythm disorders or rifampin (Rifadin), a medicine for tuberculosis (TB). These drugs are contraindicated with the use of Biktarvy.
Continue reading

Biktarvy (bictegravir, tenofovir, and emtricitabine) is not FDA approved for use as an HIV-1 preventive for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or as a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. Biktarvy is used for HIV treatment (not for prevention) as a once-daily, oral complete regimen in adults and children.

Medications approved by the FDA for use in PrEP are emtricitabine plus tenofovir alafenamide (oral Descovy), emtricitabine plus tenofovir disoproxil (oral Truvada) and the long-acting injection cabotegravir (Apretude). Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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