What Drug Is Bic?: Understanding Bictegravir and the HIV Medication Biktarvy

October 6, 2025 •

2 min read

Used by millions of people living with HIV, the medication Biktarvy has a key ingredient called bictegravir, which is often abbreviated as BIC. Understanding what drug is Bic requires looking at this powerful component and its role within the single-tablet regimen used to treat HIV-1 infection.

Quick Summary

BIC stands for bictegravir, an integrase inhibitor that is a crucial part of the single-tablet HIV medication Biktarvy. This once-daily antiretroviral is used to treat HIV-1 infection in eligible adults and children.

Key Points

BIC is the abbreviation for bictegravir: An active ingredient in the HIV-1 medication Biktarvy.
Bictegravir is an integrase inhibitor: It blocks the HIV enzyme integrase, preventing the virus from replicating within host cells.
Bictegravir is not a standalone drug: It is part of the single-tablet, once-daily regimen Biktarvy, which also contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide.
Biktarvy treats HIV-1 infection: It is used for both treatment-naïve patients and treatment-experienced patients who meet specific criteria.
Worsening Hepatitis B is a risk: Patients co-infected with HBV must be carefully monitored if they stop taking Biktarvy.
Drug interactions can be significant: Biktarvy should not be taken with certain medications like dofetilide and rifampin.

What is Bictegravir (BIC)?

BIC is the official abbreviation for bictegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI). As an INSTI, bictegravir works by blocking the HIV enzyme integrase, which is essential for the virus to multiply. By inhibiting this enzyme, bictegravir prevents the virus from inserting its genetic material into the DNA of healthy human cells, effectively stopping its spread.

The Role of Bictegravir in Biktarvy

Bictegravir is not prescribed alone but is one of three active ingredients in the combination pill Biktarvy. Biktarvy is a complete, single-tablet regimen for treating HIV-1 infection. This means patients take one tablet daily, combining three different antiretroviral medications.

The Three-Part Composition of Biktarvy

Biktarvy contains bictegravir and two other antiviral medicines that work together to suppress the HIV virus. The three components are Bictegravir (BIC), an INSTI; Emtricitabine (FTC), an NRTI; and Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF), also an NRTI. Combining these three mechanisms provides a potent attack against HIV, reducing viral load and aiding immune recovery. A detailed breakdown of their features can be found on {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/pro/biktarvy.html}.

Uses and Administration of Biktarvy

Biktarvy is a complete regimen for treating HIV-1 infection, simplifying long-term therapy. It is often a first choice for adults and children not previously on HIV medications and can replace a current regimen in certain treatment-experienced patients. Since 2025, it is also approved for some patients restarting therapy. Biktarvy is taken as a single tablet once daily, with or without food, and consistent dosing is important to prevent resistance.

Important Warnings and Potential Side Effects

Biktarvy has safety warnings, including a boxed warning regarding the risk of severe acute exacerbations of hepatitis B in co-infected patients who stop the medication. Serious potential side effects include worsening of Hepatitis B, new or worsening kidney problems, and rare but fatal cases of lactic acidosis and liver problems. Immune Reconstitution Syndrome can also occur. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, abnormal dreams, and dizziness.

Drug Interactions with Biktarvy

Interactions can occur between Biktarvy and other medications or supplements. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of everything they are taking. Medications to avoid include dofetilide and rifampin. Specific timing may be needed for antacids, and calcium or iron supplements should be taken with Biktarvy and food. St. John's Wort can decrease Biktarvy's effectiveness.

Conclusion

Bic is the abbreviation for bictegravir, a key component of the HIV medication Biktarvy. Biktarvy is a single-tablet regimen crucial for suppressing the HIV virus. Combination treatments like Biktarvy have significantly advanced HIV care. Consult a healthcare provider for safe use due to potential side effects and interactions. Additional information on antiretroviral guidelines is available through {Link: NIH HIV.gov https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/hiv-clinical-guidelines-adult-and-adolescent-arv/whats-new}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BIC in Biktarvy is the abbreviation for bictegravir, which is one of the three active antiviral ingredients in the medication.

No, bictegravir is not the same as Biktarvy. Bictegravir is one of the three active ingredients in the complete, single-tablet regimen known as Biktarvy.

Bictegravir, as a component of Biktarvy, is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and eligible pediatric patients.

Bictegravir belongs to a class of drugs called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). It works by blocking the HIV enzyme integrase, preventing the virus from integrating its genetic code into healthy cells and stopping it from multiplying.

Yes, Biktarvy has several important drug interactions. It should not be taken with dofetilide or rifampin. Additionally, patients should be cautious with certain antacids, calcium/iron supplements, and St. John's Wort.

No, you should not stop taking Biktarvy without consulting your healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping can cause the virus to become resistant to medications, and in patients with co-existing hepatitis B (HBV), it can cause a severe exacerbation of the infection.

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, headache, and fatigue. More serious side effects can also occur, such as kidney problems and lactic acidosis.