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Bictegrav-Emtricit-Tenofov AlaPronounced"bik-TEG-ra-vir/EM-trye-SYE-ta-been/ten-OF-oh-vir AL-a-FEN-a-mide" Common brand names:Biktarvy UsesThis combination product is used by itself to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so your immune system can work better. This lowers your chance of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer) and improves your quality of life. This product is a combination of 3 different drugs: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Bictegravir is called an integrase strand transfer inhibitor-INSTI. Emtricitabine is called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, while tenofovir alafenamide is called a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are often called NRTIs. Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide is not a cure for HIV infection. To decrease your risk of spreading HIV disease to others, continue to take all HIV medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity as directed by your doctor. Do not share personal items (such as needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors) that may have contacted blood or other body fluids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. How to Use This MedicationRead the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. For children unable to swallow a whole tablet, the tablet may be split and each part taken separately. Take all parts of the split tablet within about 10 minutes. If you are on dialysis, take your daily dose of this medication after dialysis. If you are also taking antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, take this medication at least 2 hours before or at least 6 hours after you take these antacids. If you are taking iron or calcium products, take them with food at the same time that you take this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. It is very important to keep taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. For the best effect, take this medication at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. |