Biktarvy Is a Once-Daily, Three-Drug HIV Treatment in a Single Pill

Biktarvy is a prescription antiretroviral medication that combines three HIV medicines — bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide — into one tablet taken once a day to treat HIV-1 infection.

If you've recently been diagnosed with HIV or your doctor has recommended Biktarvy, this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how to take it, who it's for, and how much it costs.

What Is Biktarvy?

Biktarvy is a brand-name medication made by Gilead Sciences. Its generic name is bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, sometimes abbreviated as BIC/FTC/TAF.

It belongs to a class of medications called antiretrovirals, and it combines two types of HIV drugs:

• Bictegravir — an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)
• Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide — two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Biktarvy was approved by the FDA in February 2018 and has become one of the most widely prescribed HIV treatments in the United States. It is not a controlled substance.

There is currently no generic version of Biktarvy available as of 2026.

What Is Biktarvy Used For?

Biktarvy is FDA-approved for:

1. Treatment-naïve patients — adults and children weighing at least 14 kg (31 lbs) who have never taken HIV medication before
2. Virologically suppressed patients — adults and children weighing at least 14 kg who are already on a stable HIV regimen with an undetectable viral load (HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL) and no known resistance to Biktarvy's components

In other words, Biktarvy can be used as a first-line treatment for HIV or as a switch option for patients already doing well on another regimen. For more on how it works in your body, see our guide on Biktarvy's mechanism of action.

How Is Biktarvy Taken?

Biktarvy comes in two tablet strengths:

• 50/200/25 mg tablet — for adults and children weighing 25 kg or more
• 30/120/15 mg tablet — for children weighing 14 kg to less than 25 kg

The dosage is simple: one tablet, once a day.

Key instructions:

• Take it with or without food
• Swallow the tablet whole — don't crush or split it
• If you take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, take Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or after
• If you take iron or calcium supplements, take them with food at the same time as Biktarvy, or take Biktarvy at least 2 hours before or after the supplement
• Try to take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent drug levels

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it's almost time for your next dose. Don't double up.

Who Should Not Take Biktarvy?

Biktarvy is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Biktarvy if you:

• Take dofetilide (Tikosyn) — a heart medication. Taking them together can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems.
• Take Rifampin — an antibiotic used for tuberculosis. It significantly reduces Biktarvy's effectiveness.
• Are already taking other antiretroviral medications for HIV (Biktarvy is a complete regimen on its own)

Biktarvy is also not recommended for:

• Patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min)
• Patients with severe liver disease
• Breastfeeding mothers (due to risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk)

If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor. There's limited data on Biktarvy during pregnancy, and your provider will weigh the risks and benefits. For more on medications to avoid while on Biktarvy, see our drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Biktarvy Cost?

The cash price of Biktarvy is approximately $3,500–$4,000 for a 30-day supply. However, most patients don't pay that amount:

• Commercial insurance — Biktarvy is covered by most commercial insurance plans. It's often a preferred formulary medication due to its guideline-recommended status.
• Medicare Part D — covered, though copays vary by plan
• Medicaid — coverage varies by state
• Gilead Advancing Access copay card — eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month
• Patient assistance programs — Gilead's Advancing Access program can provide Biktarvy at no cost for uninsured or underinsured patients
• Ryan White/ADAP — covers Biktarvy in most states for eligible patients

For detailed savings strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Biktarvy.

Potential Side Effects

The most common side effects are diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Most are mild and temporary. Serious side effects are rare but include hepatitis B flare-ups if the medication is stopped, lactic acidosis, and kidney problems. For the full breakdown, see our Biktarvy side effects guide.

Final Thoughts

Biktarvy has become a cornerstone of HIV treatment because it combines three effective medications in one pill taken once a day, with a strong safety profile and a high barrier to resistance. Whether you're starting HIV treatment for the first time or considering a switch, Biktarvy is one of the most widely recommended options available. Talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you, and if you need help finding it in stock, Medfinder can help.