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Compare Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

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

  • Biktarvy
    Symtuza
  • Biktarvy
    Symtuza

  • Summary of Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    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.

    Summary for HIV ARV
    Prescription only

    Symtuza is a combination medication that treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It's a tablet that contains three antiretroviral (ARV) medications — darunavir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide — and a "booster" that helps the ARVs work better against the virus called cobicistat . Symtuza, also known as DRV/c/TAF/FTC, is a complete therapy for people with HIV weighing at least 88 pounds. It's taken once daily with food. Some common side effects of Symtuza include nausea and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    Indications for

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

    •Starting HIV treatment for the first time, or
    •HIV viral load hasn't been fully controlled with previous ART, and don't have resistance to certain medications
    •Have a HIV viral load of less than 50 copies/mL from a previous ART
    Indications for
    •Treatment of HIV

  • Pros and Cons of Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    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
    Pros and Const for HIV ARV
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Is a complete treatment for HIV
    •Can split tablet into two pieces with a pill splitter if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Must take with food
    •Requires regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your liver and kidneys are healthy
    •Interacts with many medications, including blood thinners, statins, sedatives, and others

  • Common Side Effects of Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Headache (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Rash (8%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Headache (3%)

  • Warnings of Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection
    •Overactive immune system
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of hepatitis B infection in people with HIV and hepatitis B
    •Liver problems and lactic acidosis
    •Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
    •Overactive immune system
    •Kidney problems
    •Changes in body fat
    •Bleeding in people with hemophilia
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Biktarvy vs. Symtuza

    Learn more about Biktarvy
    Learn more about Symtuza

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