Bictegravir
Bictegravir is the integrase inhibitor in Biktarvy, a three-drug tablet for HIV-1 infection. This shelf carries one product: Biktarvy at 50 mg + 200 mg + 25 mg.
Key points
- Bictegravir is paired with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide in a fixed-dose combination tablet.
- A boxed warning covers severe acute exacerbation of hepatitis B when Biktarvy is stopped in people coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV.
- Biktarvy is a complete regimen, so adding other antiretroviral medicines for HIV-1 is not recommended.
How does bictegravir work?
Bictegravir blocks the HIV enzyme integrase, which the virus needs to insert its genetic material into human cells and make new copies of itself. By stopping that step, bictegravir keeps the virus from replicating. In HIV Management, Biktarvy pairs this action with emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two antiviral medicines that block a different stage of the viral life cycle. Together the three drugs form a complete regimen for treating HIV-1 infection.
