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Compare Atripla vs. Biktarvy

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Atripla (efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir) and Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir) are both combination medications used to treat HIV, but they have some key differences. Atripla includes efavirenz, which is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), while Biktarvy contains bictegravir, an integrase inhibitor. Atripla must be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to avoid side effects like dizziness and abnormal dreams, whereas Biktarvy can be taken with or without food. Atripla is available as a generic, making it more affordable, but it is no longer a first-choice treatment due to its side effects and the need for dose adjustments in people with kidney problems. Biktarvy, on the other hand, is a first-choice treatment option and is effective for both new and replacement therapy, but it is only available as a brand-name medication, which can be expensive. Both medications can cause worsening of hepatitis B if stopped suddenly.

  • Atripla
    Biktarvy
  • Atripla
    Biktarvy

  • Summary of Atripla vs. Biktarvy

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Atripla is a combination antiviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's a tablet that has three active ingredients: efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Atripla is for adults and children who weigh at least 88 lbs. You take it once a day by mouth on an empty stomach. Some side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and depression. The brand name Atripla isn't sold anymore, but you can still get this medication as a generic.

    Summary for HIV ARV Combo
    Prescription only

    Biktarvy is a combination antiretroviral that contains bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF). It's a complete antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in adults and children who weigh at least 30 pounds. Biktarvy isn't used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but it is a first-choice option for people starting HIV treatment. Typically, this medication is taken by mouth once daily. Biktarvy doesn't commonly cause weight gain, but it can cause other side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

  • Indications of Atripla vs. Biktarvy

    Indications for
    •HIV treatment
    Indications for

    Treatment of HIV infection in adults and children weighing at least 30 lbs, and:

    •Starting HIV treatment for the first time, or
    •Have a HIV viral load of less than 50 copies/mL from a previous ART

  • Pros and Cons of Atripla vs. Biktarvy

    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Is a full HIV treatment regimen
    •Combines 3 HIV medications into 1 tablet for convenience
    •Taken once a day
    •Not likely to cause weight gain
    •Okay for children weighing at least 88 lbs to take
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime
    •Might have strange dreams while taking
    •Interacts with other medications, including some other HIV medications and hepatitis C medications
    •Risk of kidney and bone problems
    •Not recommended for people with moderate or severe kidney or liver problems
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV Combo
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •First-choice option for people who've never taken ART
    •Possible option during pregnancy
    Cons
    •Might not be safe for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Must take at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids containing magnesium or aluminum
    •Must store in original bottle

  • Common Side Effects of Atripla vs. Biktarvy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Depression (9%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (8%)
    •Sinus infection (8%)
    •Rash (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Headache (5%)

  • Warnings of Atripla vs. Biktarvy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection in people with HIV and hepatitis B
    •Liver problems
    •Effects on mental health
    •Side effects related to the nervous system (e.g., dizziness, trouble sleeping)
    •Kidney problems
    •Bone problems
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Overactive immune system
    •Changes in body fat
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •Overactive immune system
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Atripla vs. Biktarvy

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