Uses
The combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in certain adults and children weighing at least 55 pounds (25 kg) who have not received antiretroviral treatment in the past or who have been stable on other antiretroviral treatment(s). Bictegravir is in a class of medications called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). Emtricitabine and tenofovir are in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the body. Although bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir will not cure HIV, these medications may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of getting or transmitting the HIV virus to other people.
Side Effects Of Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir
Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- decreased urination
- swelling of feet and ankles
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- fast breathing
- fast or abnormal heartbeat
- stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- cold or blue color of the hands and feet
- dark yellow or brown urine
- light-colored bowel movements
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- fatigue
- dizziness or lightheadedness
Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in the tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor if you are taking dofetilide (Tikosyn) or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take this bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: acyclovir (Zovirax); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril); cidofovir; ganciclovir (Valcyte); gentamicin; other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); metformin (Glucophage, Riomet); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); oxcarbazepine (Trileptal); phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifapentine (Priftin); ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); valacyclovir (Valtrex); and valganciclovir (Valcyte). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- if you are taking an antacid containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others), or sucralfate (Carafate), take this medication on an empty stomach 2 hours before you take the antacid or sucralfate.
- if you are taking iron or a calcium supplement, take it at the same time as bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir along with food.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or any type of infection that does not go away or that comes and goes such as tuberculosis (TB; a type of lung infection) or cytomegalovirus (CMV; a viral infection that may cause symptoms in people with weak immune systems) or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir.
- you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body or cause other conditions to occur. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections or conditions. If you have new or worsening symptoms during your treatment with this medication be sure to tell your doctor.
Dosage Of Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir
The combination of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. Take bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir even for a short time, or skip doses, the virus may become resistant to medications and may be harder to treat.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a supply of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir on hand. Do not wait until you run out of medication to refill your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
