TAFFIC TABLETS

🧬💊🛡️ Bictegravir 50mg + Emtricitabine 200mg + Tenofovir Alafenamide 25mg Tablet: A Complete Once-Daily HIV Regimen

The fixed-dose combination of Bictegravir (50mg) + Emtricitabine (200mg) + Tenofovir Alafenamide (25mg) is a once-daily, single-tablet regimen used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents. It offers a potent, well-tolerated, and convenient antiretroviral therapy (ART) option that suppresses viral load, improves immune function, and reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

This regimen is recommended as a first-line treatment by many international guidelines due to its high efficacy, minimal drug interactions, and low risk of resistance development.

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🔬 Mechanism of Action

This tablet combines three antiretroviral agents from two classes:

🔹 Bictegravir (50mg) – Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI)

• Blocks the HIV integrase enzyme, preventing viral DNA from integrating into the host cell genome

• Offers high barrier to resistance and excellent viral suppression

🔹 Emtricitabine (200mg) – Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

• Mimics cytidine and gets incorporated into viral DNA

• Inhibits the reverse transcriptase enzyme, blocking viral replication

🔹 Tenofovir Alafenamide (25mg) – Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

• Prodrug of Tenofovir; more targeted delivery to lymphoid cells

• Lower systemic exposure = reduced kidney and bone toxicity

Together, these agents provide triple antiretroviral coverage, making the regimen effective for rapid viral suppression and durable control of HIV.

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📌 Indications and Uses

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection in:

  • Adults and adolescents ≥12 years weighing ≥25 kg

  • Treatment-naïve patients

  • Patients virologically suppressed (HIV RNA <50 copies/mL) on a stable ART regimen for ≥3 months

This combination is not indicated for hepatitis B monoinfection, though it may help suppress HBV in coinfected patients.

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💊 Dosage and Administration

• One tablet once daily, with or without food

• Take at the same time every day

• Do not chew or crush the tablet

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⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Renal function monitoring is recommended, especially in patients with renal impairment

• Avoid use with rifampin and other potent inducers of CYP3A or UGT1A1

• Use with caution in patients co-infected with Hepatitis B—sudden discontinuation may cause HBV flare

• Not recommended during pregnancy unless no alternatives are available (limited data)

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🤒 Side Effects

Common:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

Serious (rare):

• Lactic acidosis

• Liver problems

• Worsening of hepatitis B infection

• Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)

Most patients tolerate this therapy well.

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🔄 Drug Interactions

• Avoid with:

  • Rifampin, rifabutin

  • Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• Caution with antacids (separate dosing times by several hours due to Bictegravir)

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Store at 20–25°C, away from moisture and heat

• Keep in original container, tightly closed

• Keep out of reach of children

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📝 Conclusion

Bictegravir + Emtricitabine + Tenofovir Alafenamide is a comprehensive, once-daily HIV treatment that simplifies therapy without compromising potency or safety. Its excellent tolerability, high genetic barrier to resistance, and favorable side-effect profile make it a cornerstone in modern HIV management, helping patients live longer, healthier lives with effective viral suppression.

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Always follow your doctor’s advice, dosage instructions, and never self-medicate.