Biktarvy Vs. Atripla
Recognized as one of the most life-threatening infections known today, HIV or the human immunodeficiency virus can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if the right medical therapy is not administered. Thankfully, there is a way to inhibit the viruses’ objectives, and this way refers to the significant antiretroviral therapy.
The said therapy involves the usage of combination drugs used in providing medical treatment to people with the infection. Some of the most widely used medications are Atripla and Biktarvy.
Atripla
As mentioned, antiretroviral therapy refers to the combination of different antiviral drugs. In terms of Atripla, its components are efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. This drug can be consumed alone or with other antiviral drugs to boost its properties for HIV treatment.
You can check Atripla Cost at our store!
Biktarvy
To lessen and decrease the number of HIV within the body, a certain antiretroviral drug is consumed. This drug is known as Biktarvy. Its main components are bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. It is also part of the antiretroviral therapy program in line with HIV treatment.
You can check Biktarvy Cost at our store!
Dosage
Both of these medications are prescribed only by a healthcare professional. However, certain medical factors are necessary to consider. These factors include the weight and age of the patient, medical history, and other forms of medications that the patient is currently taking.
- Atripla Dosage – 1 tablet of Atripla to be consumed once on a daily basis.
- Biktarvy Dosage – 1 tablet of Biktarvy to be consumed once on a daily basis.
Precautions and Warnings
Both of these medications share a number of precautions and warnings. You are not allowed to consume either of these drugs if you are allergic to their components or ingredients. Note that any form of hypersensitivity can be fatal.
Aside from that, there are other medical factors to note first before consuming this medicine. It includes previous medical conditions involving your kidney and liver. If you have a history of kidney and liver damage, speak with your healthcare professional first before using these medicines.
Side Effects
Just like other antiretroviral drugs, Atripla and Biktarvy also have a set of adverse reactions. These effects or reactions show right after your first consumption of either of these drugs. Consider the following:
Atripla:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Mild to severe headache
- Sore throat
- Trouble breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Extreme tiredness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Weight loss
Biktarvy:
- Diarrhea
- Recurrent nausea
- Fatigue
- Mild to severe headache
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
Takeaway
There aren’t a lot of differences involving these two drugs, most especially with their functions and side effects. For the adverse reactions mentioned above, ensure that you observe them and report to your healthcare professional should these effects persist. Some adverse reactions can be severe. However, some also can be managed at home. Make sure that you are following your medications on a regular basis and avoid skipping or missing a single dose.