Biktarvy and Cost: What You Need to Know
If you’re looking at treatment options for HIV, you may want to learn more about Biktarvy.
Biktarvy is used to treat HIV in adults. It is used to treat this condition in children who weigh at least 14 kilograms, which is about 31 pounds. Biktarvy may be prescribed to people who are not currently using it.
- have not previously received antiretroviral medications for HIV, or
- are currently taking antiretrovirals for HIV, have an undetectable HIV blood level, and want to switch from their current treatment to Biktarvy
Biktarvy is a tablets that you swallow. It contains three active ingredients that work to treat HIV.
- Bictegravir is a drug.
- emtricitabine is a drug.
- Tenofovir is a drug.
An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
You can read about how to save money on prescriptions and Biktarvy.
Note: For more details on Biktarvy, see this in-depth article.
The price you pay for Biktarvy can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacy, or insurance provider to find out how much Biktarvy will cost.
Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Biktarvy. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Biktarvy in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Biktarvy requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.
Ask your insurance company if Biktarvy requires prior authorization.
There are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How much more might Biktarvy cost without insurance than with insurance?
“The price without insurance can be different than the price with insurance. Biktarvy’s price depends on a few factors, including your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.”
You can find out the cost per month by talking to your pharmacist. You can talk to your insurance provider if you have insurance.
Does Biktarvy’s manufacturer have a copay coupon or card available?
“The copay card is from Biktarvy’s manufacturer.”
If you have insurance, you may have to pay a copayment for certain services. This is the amount that you will have to pay for your medication. Biktarvy has a copay card that can help you pay for your medication.
To learn more, including whether you’re eligible for the card, check out this site.
The section titled “Can I get help paying for Biktarvy?” is for other ways to get help.
Biktarvy is a brand-name drug. It is not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs.
Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?
“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The manufacturer of a drug can sell it for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drugmakers after that. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”
You can lower your costs if you take Biktarvy long term.
- Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Biktarvy if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Biktarvy. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
- Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Biktarvy. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these websites.
You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also qualify for a program called Gilead Advancing Access that can help with the cost of Biktarvy.
If you have insurance, you may have to pay a copayment for certain services. This is the amount that you will have to pay for your medication. Biktarvy has a copay card that can help you pay for your medication. To learn more, including whether you’re eligible for the card, check out this site.
Note that if you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare, you’re not eligible for Gilead Advancing Access or the copay card. Instead, check out these tips from the drug’s manufacturer for ways to save on your prescription.
If you still have questions about the cost of Biktarvy, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. If you have health insurance, you will need to talk to your insurer to find out the actual cost for Biktarvy.
You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.
- “What are my treatment options if I can’t afford my medication?”
- Is there any cheaper drugs I could use for HIV treatment?
- Does my Biktarvy cost affect me?
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.