Question

Can I switch bictegravir to dolutegravir because of access in a new country?

16 November 2024. Related: Access to treatment, Adherence, Changing treatment, Stopping treatment, Support.

My doctor is asking me to switch from Biktarvy to dolutegravir and tenofovir alafenamide plus emtricitabine.

This is because Biktarvy is not available in the country I am migrating to.

What will happen if I switch – or if I refuse to switch and just stop my medication?

Answer

Answer: Christina Antoniadi

Hello and thanks for this question.

The regimen your doctor is suggesting is only changing one medication: bictegravir to dolutegravir.

These two meds are  very similar and they are both widely used. Most doctors see them as being so similar that they are almost the same drug. Information about doultegravir.

Your doctor is giving you very good treatment and information. Switching is easy and safe and you shouldn’t notice any difference.

This is not an issue to stop taking your meds over.

Stopping meds can only lead to harm.

Christina