Health & Medicine

Compare Biktarvy with Other HIV Treatment Options in 2025

October 28, 2025 20 Comments By Kellen Gardner

Choosing the right HIV medication isn’t about picking the most popular name. It’s about finding what works for your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term health. Biktarvy has become one of the most prescribed HIV pills in the U.S. and Europe, but it’s not the only option. If you’re on Biktarvy and wondering if there’s something better-or if you’re just starting treatment and comparing pills-you need to know what else is out there in 2025.

What Biktarvy Actually Contains

Biktarvy is a single-pill, once-daily treatment that combines three drugs: bictegravir, an integrase inhibitor that blocks HIV from inserting its DNA into human cells, emtricitabine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that stops the virus from copying itself, and tenofovir alafenamide, a newer form of tenofovir that delivers the drug more efficiently with less kidney and bone impact. Together, they suppress HIV to undetectable levels in over 90% of patients within 6 months, assuming consistent use.

That’s why doctors often start patients on Biktarvy. It’s simple. It’s potent. And it’s generally well tolerated. But simplicity doesn’t mean it’s the best for everyone.

How Biktarvy Compares to Descovy + Dolutegravir

One of the most common alternatives is the combination of Descovy (emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide) plus dolutegravir (sold separately as Tivicay). This three-pill setup sounds inconvenient, but many people take it as a two-pill regimen because dolutegravir is often available in a once-daily tablet.

Here’s how they stack up:

Biktarvy vs. Descovy + Dolutegravir (2025 Data)
Feature	Biktarvy	Descovy + Dolutegravir
Pill count per day	1	2
Drug class	Fixed-dose combo (INSTI + NRTI)	Separate drugs (INSTI + NRTI)
Effectiveness (undetectable viral load at 48 weeks)	93%	91%
Weight gain risk	Higher (average 3-5 kg over 2 years)	Lower (average 1-2 kg over 2 years)
Drug interactions	More restricted (especially with some antacids and seizure meds)	Fewer restrictions
Cost (U.S. cash price, 2025)	$2,200/month	$1,800/month
Long-term kidney safety	Excellent	Excellent

The main advantage of Descovy + dolutegravir? Flexibility. If you develop side effects from one component, your doctor can swap just that drug. Biktarvy forces you to replace the whole pill if something goes wrong. For people with other health conditions-like epilepsy or chronic liver disease-dolutegravir often plays nicer with other medications.

Triumeq: The Older Alternative Still in Use

Triumeq (dolutegravir, abacavir, lamivudine) has been around since 2014 and is still prescribed widely, especially in lower-income countries. It’s cheaper, and in many places, it’s covered by public health programs.

But there’s a catch: abacavir. About 5-8% of people carry a gene called HLA-B*5701 that makes them at risk for a severe allergic reaction to abacavir. Before starting Triumeq, you must get tested for this gene. If you test positive, Triumeq is off the table.

Compared to Biktarvy:

Triumeq has a slightly higher chance of causing insomnia or nightmares (about 12% vs. 5% with Biktarvy)
It doesn’t contain tenofovir, so it’s gentler on kidneys-but heavier on the heart. Some studies link abacavir to a small increased risk of heart attack, especially in people with existing cardiovascular risk factors.
It’s cheaper in most global markets, but in the U.S., it’s nearly as expensive as Biktarvy without insurance.

For someone with no history of heart disease and a negative HLA-B*5701 test, Triumeq is still a solid, low-cost option. But for most new patients in 2025, doctors lean toward Biktarvy or Descovy + dolutegravir because they avoid these specific risks.

A patient in a doctor’s office comparing a monthly HIV injection to a daily pill, with a calendar showing monthly visits.

Genvoya: The Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Option

Genvoya (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) was once the go-to alternative to Biktarvy. But it’s fading fast.

Why? Because it uses tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), not tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). TDF is older, cheaper, and harder on kidneys and bones. Studies show TDF causes 2-3% more bone density loss and 1.5% more kidney function decline over two years compared to TAF.

Plus, Genvoya contains cobicistat-a drug booster that causes more drug interactions than bictegravir. It can interfere with cholesterol meds, blood thinners, and even some antidepressants.

Today, Genvoya is mostly reserved for patients who can’t afford newer drugs or those who’ve been stable on it for years with no side effects. New patients? Almost never prescribed it anymore.

Cabenuva: The Monthly Injection

If you’re tired of daily pills, Cabenuva (cabotegravir and rilpivirine) might be the answer. It’s a long-acting injectable given once a month after an initial oral lead-in.

It’s not a direct substitute for Biktarvy-it’s a different approach. You can’t just switch from a pill to an injection without testing. First, you take cabotegravir and rilpivirine pills for a month to make sure you tolerate them. If you don’t have side effects, then you start the shots.

Pros:

No daily pills-huge for people with adherence issues or stigma concerns
Undetectable rates match Biktarvy (92-94%)
No gastrointestinal side effects

Cons:

Requires clinic visits every month (or every two months if approved for extended dosing)
Pain or swelling at injection site in about 30% of users
Not for people with detectable virus at start
Expensive-$3,800 per month in the U.S.

Cabenuva is a game-changer for some. But it’s not for everyone. It’s best for people who are already stable on oral meds and want to eliminate the daily routine.

When Biktarvy Might Not Be Right for You

Even with its strengths, Biktarvy isn’t perfect. Here’s when you might want to consider another option:

You’ve gained 5+ kg in a year. Biktarvy is linked to more weight gain than older regimens. If you’re already overweight or have diabetes, your doctor might switch you to a regimen with less metabolic impact.
You take acid-reducing meds like omeprazole. Biktarvy’s absorption drops if taken with antacids or proton-pump inhibitors. You’d need to space them out by 2 hours or switch to something like dolutegravir.
You’re pregnant or planning to be. While Biktarvy is considered safe, dolutegravir has more long-term data in pregnancy. Some guidelines still prefer dolutegravir-based regimens for expectant mothers.
You’re on multiple other medications. Biktarvy has more drug interaction limits than dolutegravir-based combos. If you’re on statins, blood pressure meds, or antifungals, your pharmacist should check for conflicts.

A balanced scale comparing Biktarvy and Descovy plus dolutegravir with icons for cost, weight gain, and flexibility.

What Doctors Recommend in 2025

In 2025, most HIV specialists follow this logic:

If you’re new to treatment and have no major health issues: Biktarvy is still the first-line pick because of its simplicity and high barrier to resistance.
If you have heart disease, obesity, or are on many other meds: Descovy + dolutegravir is often preferred for its flexibility and lower metabolic impact.
If cost is a barrier and you test negative for HLA-B*5701: Triumeq remains a viable option.
If you hate pills and can commit to monthly visits: Cabenuva is the most innovative choice.
If you’re still on Genvoya: Talk to your doctor about switching to TAF-based therapy-it’s safer long-term.

There’s no single best drug. The best one is the one you can take every day without side effects, that doesn’t interfere with your other meds, and fits your life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

If you’re unsure whether Biktarvy is still right for you, here are five questions to bring up:

Has my weight changed significantly since I started this pill? Could another regimen help?
Am I taking any other medications that might interact with Biktarvy?
Have I been tested for HLA-B*5701? Would Triumeq be safer for me?
Would a monthly injection like Cabenuva make my life easier?
Is there a generic version available in my country or insurance plan?

Don’t assume your current pill is the only option. HIV treatment has evolved fast. What worked in 2020 might not be optimal today.

Is Biktarvy better than Descovy?

Biktarvy includes bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide-all in one pill. Descovy only has emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. So you can’t compare them directly. You compare Biktarvy to Descovy plus a separate integrase inhibitor like dolutegravir. Biktarvy is more convenient (1 pill vs. 2), but Descovy + dolutegravir offers more flexibility if side effects occur.

Can I switch from Biktarvy to another HIV pill?

Yes, switching is common and safe if done under medical supervision. Many people switch due to side effects, cost, or lifestyle changes. Your doctor will check your viral load, kidney function, and drug resistance history before switching. There’s no need to stay on Biktarvy if another option works better for you.

Does Biktarvy cause weight gain?

Yes, studies show people on Biktarvy gain an average of 3 to 5 kilograms over two years. This is more than with older drugs like Atripla, but similar to other newer integrase inhibitors. Weight gain is linked to the bictegravir component. If you’re gaining weight rapidly, talk to your doctor about alternatives like dolutegravir-based regimens, which tend to have less metabolic impact.

Is there a generic version of Biktarvy?

No, not yet. Biktarvy’s patents expire in the U.S. in 2027. Until then, it’s only available as a brand-name drug. In some countries, like Canada or India, generic versions may be available through legal channels. Always check with your local pharmacy or health authority before using any non-approved version.

How does Biktarvy compare to Triumeq for long-term safety?

Biktarvy is safer for long-term kidney and bone health because it uses tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), not abacavir. Triumeq contains abacavir, which carries a small risk of heart attack in people with cardiovascular risk factors. Biktarvy also doesn’t require genetic testing before use. For most people, Biktarvy has a better long-term safety profile.

Final Thoughts

HIV treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all race. What matters isn’t which pill is newest or most advertised-it’s which one you can stick with, which doesn’t interfere with your life, and which keeps you healthy for decades. Biktarvy is a great tool, but it’s not the only one. Talk to your doctor, ask about alternatives, and don’t settle for the first option you’re given. Your health is worth the conversation.

Tag Biktarvy HIV treatment bictegravir emtricitabine tenofovir alafenamide HIV pills antiretroviral therapy

About the author

Kellen Gardner

I'm a clinical pharmacologist specializing in pharmaceuticals, working in formulary management and drug safety. I translate complex evidence on medications into plain-English guidance for patients and clinicians. I often write about affordable generics, comparing treatments, and practical insights into common diseases. I also collaborate with health systems to optimize therapy choices and reduce medication costs.