Odefsey vs Biktarvy

Two of the widely used medications for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection are Odefsey and Biktarvy. Although they share some functions, these anti-HIV agents still have significant differences. In this article, we will tackle Odefsey vs Biktarvy, involving their uses, precautions or warnings, dosages, costs, and side effects.

Uses

Odefsey is a combination of three ant-HIV medications, such as emtricitabine, rilpivirine, and tenofovir alafenamide. These medications work together in controlling HIV infection. Acting as one medication, Odefsey works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the body to enable the immune system’s better functions. Taking this combination medicine helps lower someone’s chances of acquiring HIV-related complications.

Composition:

• Emtricitabine – A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
• Rilpivirine – A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
• Tenofovir alafenamide – A nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)

On the other hand, Biktarvy is also a combination product of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. Although not a cure for the infection mentioned above, this medication works efficiently in lowering HIV’s load in the body. Taking this treatment option lessens HIV transmission to other people without the infection. Like Odefsey, Biktarvy also reduces an individual’s risk for HIV complications.

Composition:

• Bictegravir – An integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)
• Emtricitabine – A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
• Tenofovir alafenamide – A nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)

Precautions and Warnings

Since Odefsey and Biktarvy have the most similar ingredients, the precautions and warnings that you need to take note of in taking any of these medicines are the same. Consider the following:

Do not take Odefsey and Biktarvy if you have any known allergy to their ingredients, including rilpivirine, bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. To ensure that any of these medicines are safe to use, tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following medical conditions:

• Kidney problems
• Liver disease (hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis)
• Alcohol addiction
• Bone disease (bone loss or osteoporosis)
• Mental disorders (depression)

Dosage

Below is the detailed dosage for each medicine. Consider the following:

Odefsey:

• 200 mg of emtricitabine
• 25 mg of rilpivirine
• 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

Take one tablet of Odefsey orally once per day. It is recommended to take this medicine with a meal to avoid episodes of stomachache.

Biktarvy:

• 50 mg of bictegravir
• 200 mg of emtricitabine
• 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

The recommended dosage for Biktarvy is one tablet to take orally once per day. You can take this HIV medicine with or without food.

Costs

The cost of Odefsey oral medication is $3,433.29 for 30 tablets. It is $114.80 per unit. On the other hand, Biktarvy costs around $3,783 for a supply of 30 tablets. It is $126.11 per unit. Note that these prices will change according to your pharmacy of choice. If these prices are too much for you, you can apply for patient assistance programs for more affordable treatment.

Side Effects

Take into account the list of side effects that you will likely experience when taking Odefsey and Biktarvy. These are as follows:

Odefsey:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Severe headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Joint pain
• Tingling of the hands
• Trouble swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes

Biktarvy:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Severe drowsiness
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Blue or cold skin
• Vision problems

Note: If any of these side effects persist longer than expected, consult your doctor immediately. Some side effects may need to be addressed by immediate medical care.