Biktarvy Availability in 2026: What's Really Going On?

If you've had trouble filling your Biktarvy prescription recently, you've probably asked yourself: is there a shortage? The answer is nuanced, and understanding the difference between a true shortage and a local stock-out can help you take the right steps to get your medication.

This article covers the current availability status of Biktarvy, why patients are having trouble finding it, what it costs in 2026, and exactly what you can do to get your prescription filled.

Is Biktarvy Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Biktarvy is not listed on the FDA Drug Shortage database. This means that Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer, is producing and distributing adequate supply to meet national demand.

However, that doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf. Many patients report difficulty finding Biktarvy at their local pharmacy — particularly at large chain pharmacies. This is a distribution and inventory issue, not a manufacturing shortage.

The distinction matters because the solutions are different. A true shortage means waiting for more supply to be manufactured. A stock-out means the medication exists — you just need to find the right pharmacy.

Why Is Biktarvy Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Biktarvy being hard to find at your local pharmacy:

• Market dominance: Biktarvy is the #1 prescribed HIV treatment in the U.S., with over 430,000 patients. This enormous demand can strain individual pharmacy inventories.
• No generic competition: There is no generic version of Biktarvy as of 2026, meaning all supply comes from a single manufacturer.
• Specialty distribution: HIV medications are often distributed through specialty pharmacy channels that don't always align with retail pharmacy supply chains.
• Chain pharmacy stocking decisions: Some chain pharmacies don't keep specialty HIV medications in regular stock because of lower patient volume at individual locations.

For a deeper explanation, read why Biktarvy is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Biktarvy Cost in 2026?

Biktarvy is one of the more expensive HIV treatments on the market:

• Cash price (no insurance): Approximately $3,500 to $4,000 for a 30-day supply
• With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely — from $0 to $100+ per month depending on your plan
• With Gilead copay card: Eligible commercially insured patients can pay as little as $0 per month
• Medicare Part D: Covered by most Part D plans, but copays may be significant before reaching the catastrophic coverage phase
• Medicaid: Covered in most states with little to no copay
• ADAP/Ryan White: Covered through AIDS Drug Assistance Programs in most states

If cost is a barrier, see our complete guide on how to save money on Biktarvy.

New Options and Developments in 2026

While Biktarvy remains the gold standard for many patients, the HIV treatment landscape continues to evolve:

• Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine): This long-acting injectable regimen eliminates daily pills entirely, with injections every 1-2 months.
• Lenacapavir (Sunlenca): A first-in-class capsid inhibitor approved for treatment-experienced patients, given as a subcutaneous injection every 6 months.
• Pipeline medications: Gilead and other manufacturers continue to develop new long-acting formulations and combinations.

If you're interested in newer options, talk to your HIV specialist about whether any of these might be right for you. You can also read about alternatives to Biktarvy.

How to Find Biktarvy in Stock Right Now

If you need to fill your Biktarvy prescription today, here's your action plan:

1. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy stock near you
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often have better specialty medication availability
3. Call ahead — confirm stock before making the trip, and ask them to hold it
4. Consider mail order — many insurance plans and Gilead's Advancing Access program offer mail-order delivery
5. Contact Gilead Advancing Access at 1-800-226-2056 for help finding stock or getting medication shipped

For detailed tips, read how to find Biktarvy in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Biktarvy is not in a national shortage in 2026, but finding it at your local pharmacy can still be a challenge. The medication is out there — you just need the right tools and strategies to locate it. Don't wait until your last pill to start looking. Refill early, use Medfinder, and stay connected with your healthcare team.

Your HIV treatment is too important to leave to chance.