Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is prescribed to treat HIV-1 infection in certain situations. It works by lowering levels of HIV-1 in the body. Your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.

Biktarvy contains three active ingredients, each belonging to a different class of medications:

  • bictegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)
  • emtricitabine, an HIV nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (HIV NRTI)
  • tenofovir alafenamide, also an HIV NRTI

The way a drug works is known medically as its mechanism of action.

Biktarvy’s active drugs work together to lower the level of HIV-1 in your body. They do this by stopping HIV-1 from making copies of itself. A lower level of HIV-1 in the body helps treat the condition.

The drug does not cure HIV-1. But if Biktarvy is taken as prescribed, it can maintain a lower level of HIV-1 in the body so that it can’t be detected. Researchers refer to this as the viral load being undetectable.

Once you take a dose, Biktarvy starts working in about an hour. With continued treatment, Biktarvy will continue lowering the viral load of HIV-1. It may take several months for Biktarvy to lower it to an undetectable level.

Your doctor can explain how they’ll monitor your treatment progress with Biktarvy.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.