Overview
What is Bictegravir?
Bictegravir is a next-generation HIV integrase inhibitor available only as part of the fixed-dose combination Biktarvy (bictegravir 50 mg / tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg / emtricitabine 200 mg). It has a high barrier to resistance and requires no pharmacokinetic boosting, making it a preferred first-line regimen.
Mechanism
How Does It Work?
1
Integrase strand transfer inhibition
Bictegravir chelates Mg2+ at the integrase active site and prevents viral DNA integration into host chromosomes.
2
High resistance barrier
Bictegravir's binding contacts tolerate fewer escape mutations compared to earlier INSTIs, giving it a higher genetic barrier to resistance.
3
Unboosted pharmacokinetics
Unlike some older INSTIs, bictegravir reaches therapeutic concentrations without ritonavir or cobicistat boosting, simplifying the regimen.
Dosage
How to Use
Timing
Once daily, at the same time each day
How to Take
Swallow one Biktarvy tablet whole. Can be taken with or without food.
With Food
Can be taken with or without food
Alcohol
Avoid excessive alcohol
Missed Dose
Take as soon as remembered the same day. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Safety
Side Effects & Precautions
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious Side Effects — seek help immediately
- Immune reconstitution syndrome
- Lactic acidosis
- Severe hepatomegaly (from TAF/FTC components)
- HBV flare on discontinuation in HBV co-infected patients
Who Should Not Take This
- Concurrent use of rifampicin (reduces bictegravir levels)
- Concurrent use of dofetilide
- Severe hepatic impairment
Value
Generic vs Brand
Generic (OnlineMeds)
Biktarvy
Price per unit
$120.00
$3000–$4000/month
Active ingredient
Identical
Identical
Storage
Storage & Handling
Light
Keep in original bottle
Humidity
Do not remove desiccant; protect from moisture
Children
Keep out of reach of children.
Why OnlineMeds
Why Buy From Us
Manufacturer Direct
Sourced directly from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
Quality Verified
Every batch tested for purity and bioequivalence.
Global Delivery
Discreet shipping to UK, US, AU, EU and beyond.
Licensed Pharmacy
Regulated and compliant with international pharmacy standards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taffic Tablets a complete HIV regimen on its own?
Yes. Biktarvy (bictegravir/TAF/emtricitabine) is a complete single-tablet HIV regimen. It contains three active antiretroviral agents covering two mechanisms (INSTI + two NRTIs), so no additional HIV drugs are needed.
Does Bictegravir work against drug-resistant HIV?
Bictegravir has a higher genetic barrier to resistance than earlier integrase inhibitors such as raltegravir, meaning more mutations are required before resistance develops. It may retain activity against some raltegravir-resistant strains, but this depends on the specific mutations present.
What happens if I miss a dose of Taffic Tablets?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the next day, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take two tablets on the same day.
Why should Taffic Tablets not be stopped suddenly if I have Hepatitis B?
Biktarvy contains tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine, both of which suppress Hepatitis B virus as well as HIV. Stopping suddenly can cause a severe flare of HBV infection that may cause serious liver damage. Never stop without medical supervision if you have HBV co-infection.
⚠ BLACK BOX WARNING
Severe acute exacerbation of Hepatitis B may occur in HBV co-infected patients upon discontinuation of Biktarvy. Hepatic function should be monitored closely for at least several months after stopping.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Substance | Effect | Action |
|---|
| Rifampicin |
Significantly reduces bictegravir exposure |
Contraindicated |
| Rifabutin |
Reduces bictegravir exposure moderately |
Avoid if possible; consult specialist |
| Antacids with Mg2+/Al3+ |
May reduce bictegravir absorption |
Separate administration by at least 2 hours |
| St John's Wort |
P-gp induction reduces bictegravir levels |
Avoid concurrent use |
Approved Indications
-
HIV-1 infection in adults and children ≥ 2 years weighing ≥ 14 kg FDA / EMA
References
-
Gilead Sciences. FDA Prescribing Information: Biktarvy (bictegravir/TAF/emtricitabine). ↗
-
DHHS. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents, 2023. ↗
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
