Experiencing side effects with Biktarvy? Here's how to handle them
Biktarvy, a popular oral medication for the treatment of HIV-1, has a favorable long-term safety profile, according to clinical trial data. However, it's essential to be vigilant about potential side effects, particularly those affecting the liver, kidneys, and immune system.
Key Long-term Side Effects
One of the key long-term concerns with Biktarvy is its potential impact on the liver and worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Symptoms indicating liver problems include yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, light stools, nausea, and stomach pain. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary, especially in patients co-infected with HBV.
Biktarvy also carries a risk of kidney problems, including kidney failure in some cases. Regular kidney function monitoring during treatment is crucial.
Another potential long-term effect is the development of Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (IRS), which can occur when starting HIV treatment with Biktarvy. IRS triggers inflammatory responses to previously hidden infections, causing symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or worsening of infection symptoms.
Common adverse reactions in long-term use (up to weeks 96 and beyond in studies) include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Other reported effects include fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, skin rashes, and muscle aches.
Management Strategies
Regular clinical and laboratory tests to monitor liver enzymes, kidney function, and signs of HBV reactivation are critical, especially in those co-infected with HBV. Abrupt discontinuation of Biktarvy can cause severe worsening of HBV and other complications, so it's important not to stop the medication without medical advice.
For mild side effects like nausea or headache, symptomatic treatments may help. Fatigue or mood changes warrant discussion with healthcare providers to adjust therapy if needed. Early recognition and treatment of emerging infections during immune recovery improves outcomes.
Biktarvy’s long-term safety profile is generally favourable, with low rates of serious side effects. However, vigilance for liver, kidney, and immune-related effects remains essential. Patients should maintain close communication with their healthcare providers for ongoing assessment and management.
If new or worsening symptoms arise at any point, individuals should inform their healthcare provider promptly to prevent serious complications.
It's important to note that Biktarvy contains active ingredients from classes of medications called nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and integrase inhibitors, which have been reported to cause weight gain.
Additionally, depression and suicidal thoughts or actions can occur as serious side effects of Biktarvy, especially in people with existing mental health conditions. New or worsening kidney problems, a serious but rare side effect of Biktarvy, can include symptoms such as confusion, nausea and vomiting, producing less urine than usual, and swelling in the ankles and feet.
In conclusion, while Biktarvy offers a valuable treatment option for HIV, it's crucial to be aware of its potential long-term effects and to maintain regular communication with healthcare providers for ongoing assessment and management.
- Long-term concerns with Biktarvy include its potential impact on the liver, worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection, and symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, light stools, nausea, and stomach pain.
- The medication also carries a risk of kidney problems, including kidney failure in some cases, necessitating regular kidney function monitoring during treatment.
- Another potential long-term effect is the development of Immune Reconstitution Syndrome (IRS), causing symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or worsening of infection symptoms.
- Regular clinical and laboratory tests to monitor liver enzymes, kidney function, and signs of HBV reactivation are critical, especially in those co-infected with HBV, to prevent serious complications.
- Biktarvy has been reported to cause weight gain due to its active ingredients from classes of medications called nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and integrase inhibitors, and depression and suicidal thoughts or actions can occur as serious side effects, especially in people with existing mental health conditions.
