Question
Could Biktarvy cause my face to loose fat?
27 June 2026. Related: All topics, Side effects.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks for getting in touch – how are you doing generally?
I ask this because a year is still a relatively short time to have worked through many issues linked to finding out you are positive – though I expect this is already much easier now.
It is great that you were diagnosed and treated so early.
Any facial changes, are very unlikely to be a side effect of the meds in Biktarvy because this is one of the early concerns and even after many years this still hasn’t been reported.
Any changes might be signs of changes in your diet, or not sleeping well, or general stress, or maybe other factors related to nutrition (cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs?). Do you think this might be a factor?
This would still be a short time for such changes though. Has your weight changed over this time?
What has your doctor said and have they noticed any changes? This is important to ask and talk about.
One way to monitor this would be to get a couple of clear photos in good light that you can repeat every 6 months, for example.
This still wouldn’t be a side effect of treatment though.
Best wishes
Hello Anonymous and thanks for the comment.
So far, a link between Biktarvy and lipoatrophy has not been officially established.
I agree with you though: people are able to notice differences in themselves first, even if those have not been officially identified.
In the first instance it might be useful to take photos of your face in regular intervals.
As you mention there are also environmental and situational conditions that affect how we feel like sleep, stress, holidays, diet, exercise, weight loss, weight gain, etc.
Everyone experiencing lipoatrophy (or other side effects) should report it, however, to ensure the side effects of a medication can be updated.
For those based in the UK this can be reported here:
https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
For Europe you can report through the national agencies:
https://www.hma.eu/human-medicines/national-contacts.html
You don’t have to be a healthcare professional to report a side effect.
We are also very grateful to discuss this further if you want, please use the email: questions@i-base.org.uk
Hi, same here, info here consistently says no link between modern meds and facial fat/muscle distribution, but reality says otherwise, also noticed myself and relatives/others (especially at face cheeks, not dramatic but noticeable). I raised this question to the doc I meet, she got interested, but doubt they’ll investigate further.. I have also seen it in other men. Ample sleep improves the situation in my view.
Hi Jess – thanks – it is good that your health centre is working with you to try to help. I am cautious to comment further as fat loss with these drugs has not been linked before and so changes may or may not help. The Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London still run an HIV-related New-Fill clinic. I would not recommended any clinics that are not specific to HIV, but it also sounds too early to be thinking about this.
Hello simon
He has decided to change me to dovato,
Nothing else has changed i do not drink or take drugs or do I smoke .
I have gained 2 kg but my face says different.
But after I am going to fix my face as its completely affected my confidence.
Do you think u could give me some information about new fill? It is bothering me that much as I have loose skin now on my face .