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Side Effects Of Biktarvy: What You Need To Know
Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription drug that's used to treat HIV in adults and some children. Biktarvy can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include fatigue and skin rash.
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during treatment with Biktarvy. Listed below are some examples of the drug's commonly reported side effects. But these are not all the possible side effects of Biktarvy.
Some common side effects include:
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people in studies of Biktarvy.
Biktarvy may cause some mild side effects.
Examples that have been reported with this drug include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Biktarvy unless your doctor recommends it.
Biktarvy may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug's prescribing information for details.
Biktarvy may cause serious side effects, but they're usually less common than mild ones.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Biktarvy include:
If you develop serious side effects while taking Biktarvy, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† Biktarvy has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Biktarvy, visit MedWatch.
Get answers below to some frequently asked questions about Biktarvy's side effects.
Does Biktarvy cause weight gain?It's possible. Weight gain wasn't reported in studies of Biktarvy, but it has been reported since Biktarvy and similar drugs were approved for use. Biktarvy contains the active ingredients bictegravir (BIC), emtricitabine (FTC), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).
BIC belongs to a group of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). FTC and TAF belong to a group of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
It's possible for both INSTIs and NRTIs to cause weight gain in some cases.
If you experience weight gain during treatment with Biktarvy, talk with your doctor. They'll help determine whether Biktarvy is the cause. They can also suggest ways to manage your weight while taking this drug.
Are there any long-term side effects of Biktarvy?Yes. Biktarvy may cause long-term side effects, but they're not common.
Long-term side effects include:
* To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† Biktarvy has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section below.
Long-term side effects may begin during treatment with Biktarvy. And in some cases, they may continue after treatment ends.
If you have ongoing side effects while taking Biktarvy, talk with your doctor. They'll determine whether you need to stop taking it and switch to a different HIV medication instead.
Do not stop taking Biktarvy without first talking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping this drug can cause serious side effects if you have certain conditions. (See "Side effects explained" below for more information.)
Your doctor will monitor you for worsening of certain conditions if you stop taking Biktarvy.
Does Biktarvy cause neuropathy?No, neuropathy (nerve damage) wasn't reported in studies of the drug. Some symptoms of neuropathy include:
If you experience symptoms of neuropathy, talk with your doctor. They'll discuss possible causes with you and suggest ways to help manage your symptoms.
Will I have hair loss from Biktarvy?No, this wasn't a side effect reported in studies of the drug.
But Biktarvy contains the active ingredients emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. These belong to a group of drugs called NRTIs. And there have been reports of hair loss with NRTIs.
If you have hair loss while taking Biktarvy, talk with your doctor. They'll suggest ways to help manage this side effect.
Learn more about some of the side effects Biktarvy may cause.
Risk of worsening hepatitis BBiktarvy has a boxed warning for the risk of worsening hepatitis B. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Biktarvy may lead to a worsening of hepatitis B in some people. You have an increased risk of worsening hepatitis B infection if you also have HIV and stop taking Biktarvy.
If you have both conditions, your doctor will monitor your liver function for several months if you stop taking Biktarvy. This is to make sure the hepatitis B infection isn't becoming worse. If it is, you may need treatment for it.
For more details on this serious side effect, see the prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What might helpYour doctor will check whether you have hepatitis B infection before you begin treatment with Biktarvy. Do not suddenly stop taking Biktarvy if you have both HIV and hepatitis B. This could increase your risk of serious liver damage from worsening hepatitis B.
If you have both infections and need to stop taking Biktarvy, your doctor will monitor your liver function for several months after you stop treatment. This is to make sure the hepatitis B infection isn't worsening.
You may need treatment for hepatitis B infection if your condition worsens after you stop Biktarvy.
Skin rashBiktarvy may cause a skin rash in some people. But this wasn't very common in the drug's studies.
What might helpIf you develop a rash while taking Biktarvy, tell your doctor. If it's a mild rash, they may recommend an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). They may also recommend hydrocortisone cream, which you apply to the affected areas of your skin.
But if you have a severe rash, this may be a sign of an allergic reaction to Biktarvy. You should call 911 or go to an emergency medical center immediately if you have this or other symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These include trouble breathing and swelling under your skin or in your mouth or throat. (See "Allergic reaction" above for more information.)
New or worsening kidney problemsBiktarvy can cause new or worsening kidney problems, including kidney failure in some people. Taking certain other drugs that also affect your kidneys may increase your risk of kidney problems from Biktarvy. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take and whether you have a history of kidney disease.
Symptoms of kidney problems include issues with urination, such as:
What might helpYour doctor will check your kidney function before you start Biktarvy and will monitor it throughout your treatment. If you develop signs of kidney problems, they'll determine whether this drug is right for you based on the severity of your symptoms. In some cases, they'll have you stop Biktarvy and will recommend an alternative that's safer for you.
Lactic acidosisBiktarvy may cause a serious reaction known as lactic acidosis. This is when your body has too much lactic acid and can't get rid of it. This can be life threatening in certain cases.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:
What might helpTell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. These organs remove Biktarvy from your body. If they're not functioning properly, lactic acid can build up in your system. This can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis.
Your doctor will monitor your liver and kidney function before you start Biktarvy and during your treatment. But if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Biktarvy treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you're having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Biktarvy affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Below are several warnings about Biktarvy. This drug may not be suitable for you in certain situations. Your doctor will determine whether it's the right treatment option for you based on your health.
Boxed warning: Risk of worsening hepatitis BBiktarvy has a boxed warning for the risk of worsening hepatitis B. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more, see the "Side effects explained" section above.
Other warningsBiktarvy can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Biktarvy is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Biktarvy. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
Biktarvy is a prescription drug used to treat HIV. It can cause mild to serious side effects. Reactions to this drug can vary depending on your age, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you take.
If you have questions about side effects from Biktarvy, ask your doctor for more information. Here are some questions to get you started:
To learn more about Biktarvy, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
How To Manage High Blood Pressure And Its Side Effects In Men
For many men, keeping their hearts healthy means managing high blood pressure. Medications are essential for controlling blood pressure, but they can sometimes cause side effects that affect men's lives and well-being.
These medications work in various ways to lower blood pressure. They might widen blood vessels, slow the heartbeat, or reduce the amount of blood the heart pumps. However, these actions can sometimes lead to unwanted effects.
One of the most discussed side effects in men is erectile dysfunction (ED). Certain blood pressure medications, like beta-blockers and diuretics (water pills), can increase the likelihood of ED. This happens because they can reduce blood flow or interfere with the signals needed for an erection.
It's a tricky situation because high blood pressure itself can cause ED by damaging the arteries. Therefore, it's crucial to find a medication that controls blood pressure without worsening ED.
Feeling tired or weak is another common issue for men on blood pressure medications, especially beta-blockers. These drugs slow the heart rate, which can leave men feeling sluggish. This is particularly challenging for those who are usually active or need a lot of energy for work.
A decrease in sexual desire is another side effect, separate from ED. The exact reasons aren't entirely clear, but dealing with a long-term health issue like high blood pressure and the effects of the medication can affect a man's libido.
Swelling in parts of the body, such as the feet, ankles, or legs, can occur with certain blood pressure drugs known as calcium channel blockers. This swelling, or edema, can be uncomfortable and limit movement.
Some medications can also disrupt the body's levels of important minerals like sodium and potassium, leading to muscle cramps, weakness, and more tiredness.
Despite these issues, it's important to remember that the benefits of controlling high blood pressure—preventing heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems—far outweigh the risks from side effects.
The best way to handle side effects is by talking openly with a doctor. If side effects are a problem, the doctor might adjust the medication or its dosage to help reduce the issues while still keeping blood pressure under control.
Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well, staying active, and managing stress, can also help control blood pressure and improve overall health.
In summary, while blood pressure medication can cause side effects, understanding these effects and communicating with a healthcare provider can help men find a balance in their treatment.
With the right strategy, it's possible to manage high blood pressure effectively without sacrificing quality of life.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
Imfinzi Side Effects: What You Should Know
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a brand-name infusion prescribed for certain types of cancers, including certain lung cancers. As with other drugs, Imfinzi can cause side effects, such as fatigue, rash, cough, hair loss, and shortness of breath.
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a brand-name prescription immunotherapy medication. It's approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of lung cancer, as well as some other types of cancer.
Specifically, Imfinzi can be used in certain situations to treat:
Like other medications, Imfinzi can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Imfinzi, including details about its uses, see this article.
Imfinzi can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The side effects can vary depending on the condition Imfinzi is being used to treat and whether Imfinzi is used alone or in combination with other drugs. Some of the more common side effects of the drug across all people treated with it include:
Mild side effects can occur with Imfinzi. This list doesn't include all possible side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Imfinzi's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that people being treated with Imfinzi have reported include:
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks the side effects the drug causes. If you develop a side effect during Imfinzi treatment and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
Imfinzi may cause serious side effects, but this isn't common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, refer to Imfinzi's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects as a result of your treatment with Imfinzi, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported can include:
For more information about each of these serious side effects, see "Side effect specifics" below.
Imfinzi may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the drug's side effects.
Is joint pain a side effect of Imfinzi?Yes, joint pain was a common side effect in clinical trials of Imfinzi.
Imfinizi may also cause muscle pain, bone pain, or inflammation (damage and swelling) in your body, which can affect your joints and cause pain.
If you have joint pain during your treatment with Imfinzi, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend treatments to help you feel better. Or, they may suggest a different medication for your condition.
Will I need to be observed for side effects after Imfinzi infusions?Imfinzi is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional, but you probably won't need to stay for observation after receiving a dose.
Imfinzi may cause infusion reactions, such as dizziness or fainting, but these usually occur while you receive the drug. A healthcare professional will monitor you during the infusion to treat any reactions you develop.
Some drugs given by infusion can cause infusion-related reactions hours or even days after the infusion. However, this hasn't been reported with Imfinzi.
If you have any concerns about infusion reactions from Imfinzi, talk with your doctor.
Does Imfinzi have long-term side effects?Imfinzi may cause long-term side effects, such as immune systemic reactions, including inflammation and thyroid problems.
Most side effects go away after a few weeks of treatment or after stopping Imfinzi. However, some people may experience side effects after stopping treatment until the drug clears from the body. Some people may require, additional medication to treat the long-term side effects.
If you're concerned about how long you may have certain side effects of Imfinzi, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Imfinzi may cause.
Hair lossHair loss may occur with Imfinzi treatment. This was one of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials of the drug.
Hair loss may also be a symptom of low levels of thyroid hormones, which is another potential side effect of Imfinzi.
In addition, hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs. Imfinzi isn't a type of chemotherapy, but it's sometimes used with chemotherapy medications to treat cancer.
What you can doTalk with your doctor if you're concerned about or experiencing hair loss during treatment with Imfinzi. They can help determine the cause.
If your hair loss is related to hormone problems, your doctor may recommend medication to help regulate your hormone levels. Or, they may suggest that you try a different drug to treat your cancer.
Infusion reactionsImfinzi is given as an IV infusion, which is an injection of medication into a vein over a period of time. In clinical trials of Imfinzi, there were reports of reactions that occurred during infusions. This included severe infusion reactions in rare cases.
Infusion reactions can also be life threatening. Symptoms of severe infusion reactions can include:
What you can doIf you experience an infusion reaction while receiving a dose of Imfinzi, your healthcare professional will typically slow down or stop the infusion. Depending on the severity of your reaction, they may give you medications or other treatments to ease the side effects.
Your doctor may also want you to receive your next infusion more slowly than the previous one. Giving the infusion over a longer period of time may lower your risk for having another infusion reaction.
If your infusion reaction is severe, your doctor may have you stop treatment with Imfinzi and try a different medication for your cancer.
Immune system reactionsRarely, Imfinzi may cause serious allergic reactions that affect the immune system. Immune system reactions are when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy cells. This can lead to inflammation (damage and swelling) in any part of the body. Sometimes, the immune system reactions can be severe or life threatening.
Symptoms can vary depending on which part of your body is affected. These reactions weren't common in clinical trials.
The following are some serious immune system side effects that Imfinzi may cause:
During your Imfinzi treatment, your doctor will monitor you for inflammation or immune system reactions by ordering lab tests. These may include blood and urine tests.
If you have symptoms of an immune system reaction during your treatment with Imfinzi, talk with your doctor right away. Depending on which part of your body is affected, they may recommend treatment to help ease the inflammation. Your doctor may also decide to pause your Imfinzi treatment. Or, they may have you stop using Imfinzi and try a different treatment for your cancer.
Serious infectionsSerious infections, such as pneumonia, may occur during Imfinzi treatment, but this isn't common.
In clinical trials, people receiving Imfinzi were more likely to develop a serious infection, including pneumonia, than people receiving a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment without an active drug.)
Symptoms of pneumonia and other serious infections can include:
Symptoms of cystitis can include:
While receiving Imfinzi treatment, talk with your doctor if you notice any symptoms of an infection. They can order tests to determine what type of infection you have. Your doctor can also recommend treatment to help ease your symptoms and clear up the infection.
In addition, you can take the following steps to help lower your risk for infection:
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you start Imfinzi treatment. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include the following:
Allergic reaction. You should not receive Imfinzi if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.
Autoimmune disease. Imfinzi can cause your immune system to attack healthy cells, so the drug could worsen existing autoimmune diseases. (Lupus and Crohn's disease are examples of autoimmune diseases.) Before you start Imfinzi treatment, tell your doctor about any autoimmune diseases you may have. They can determine whether Imfinzi is the best medication for your cancer.
Breathing problems. Receiving Imfinzi may cause damage to your lungs. If you have or have ever had any breathing problems, using this drug may worsen the condition. Before you start Imfinzi treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of any breathing problems. They can determine whether Imfinzi or a different drug is the right option for you.
Previous radiation treatment. Non-small cell lung cancer is sometimes treated with radiation. Having radiation before receiving Imfinzi may increase your risk for serious inflammation of the lungs. If you've received radiation to the chest area, tell your doctor before you have Imfinzi treatment. They may want you to delay using the medication until the effects of the radiation have worn off.
Stem cell or organ transplant. Imfinzi can cause your immune system to attack healthy cells. This includes cells in organs such as your lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. This could be especially dangerous if you've had a stem cell transplant or organ transplant. Before you start treatment with Imfinzi, be sure to tell your doctor if you've received a transplant.
Current infection. Some infections need time to clear up before it's safe to start Imfinzi treatment. If you have a current infection and are receiving treatment for it, tell your doctor before you receive Imfinzi. They can advise you on when to start your treatment.
Alcohol consumption with ImfinziThere are no known interactions between Imfinzi and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol could worsen certain side effects of Imfinzi, such as nausea or fatigue.
If you drink alcohol, be sure to talk with your doctor before using Imfinzi. They can determine how much is safe for you to consume during your treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using ImfinziIt is not safe to receive Imfinzi while pregnant. Studies of pregnant animals given Imfinzi found that the drug could cause pregnancy loss or stillborn offspring. Animal studies don't always predict what will happen in people. However, it's recommended that Imfinzi is not used during pregnancy.
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment other than Imfinzi.
Keep in mind that if you're receiving Imfinzi and are able to become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment. You should keep using it for 3 months or more after your last dose of the medication.
Also, there's no information on the safety of Imfinzi treatment while breastfeeding. It's recommended that you do not breastfeed during Imfinzi treatment and for at least 3 months after your final dose of the drug. You should talk with your doctor if you're thinking about breastfeeding. They can advise you on whether Imfinzi is right for you.
Side effects can occur while you're receiving Imfinzi treatment, but they're usually mild. Most mild side effects of the drug go away with time and don't require medical attention.
It's important to note that Imfinzi may be used with chemotherapy or biologics. Some side effects of chemotherapy or biologic drugs and Imfinzi overlap, but the medications can also cause different side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can help explain similarities and differences in side effects you may expect from each drug.
You should call your doctor if you have any symptoms of an infusion reaction, immune system reaction, infection, or allergic reaction. These side effects could be serious and require medical attention.
If you'd like to learn more about Imfinzi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about the side effects of the drug.
For more information, read our articles on lung cancer. Biliary tract cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and endometrial cancer.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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