Difference Between Biktarvy Vs. Truvada

Biktarvy vs Truvada. Two of the most widely-used antiviral drugs for HIV treatment are Biktarvy and Truvada. Although these drugs have similar functions, they still have significant differences in terms of dosage, cost, ingredients, and side effects.

Uses and Ingredients

Biktarvy is a combination drug that contains three antiviral agents – bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. It provides medical therapy to individuals who have already contracted HIV. Biktarvy is suitable for both adults and children.

Meanwhile, Truvada is also a mixture of two antiviral agents – emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Besides treating HIV, Truvada is also a PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication. A PrEP drug reduces the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact.

Dosage

Both these drugs come in tablet form that you take orally. Their dosage is also similar, with one tablet per consumption per day. With antiretroviral therapy, you do not have to take two or more tablets per day for an HIV regimen, as these drugs are already a combination of antiviral agents.

Biktarvy standard dosage:

• Take one tablet once a day (Bictegravir – 50 mg; Emtricitabine – 200 mg; Tenofovir Alafenamide – 25 mg).

Truvada standard dosage:

• Take one tablet once a day (Emtricitabine – 200 mg; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate – 300 mg).

Truvada (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir) Uses and Dosage

Biktarvy Medication Uses and Dosage

Cost

In terms of pricing, Biktarvy and Truvada are considerably different. The cost of one set of Biktarvy in the USA (containing 30 tablets) is $3,783.24. Meanwhile, 30 tablets of Truvada cost $1,774.11 – $1,949.42 in USA. If Truvada is co-administered with other antiretroviral drugs to complete the HIV regimen, its cost will likely become similar to Biktarvy.