Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir should not be used to treat hepatitis B virus infection (HBV; an ongoing liver infection). Tell your doctor if you have or think you may have HBV. Your doctor may test you to see if you have HBV before you begin your treatment with bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. If you have HBV and you take bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir, your condition may suddenly worsen when you stop taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will examine you and order lab tests before, during, and regularly for several months after you stop taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir to see if your HBV has worsened.
Talk to your doctor about the risk(s) of taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir.
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.
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 bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir 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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Web Site
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
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.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 2, 2019.