Biktarvy vs Apretude
A side-by-side look at two hiv medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Biktarvy | US Apretude | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide | cabotegravir |
| Drug class | Integrase Inhibitor + NRTI Combination | Integrase Inhibitor (Long-Acting Injectable PrEP) |
| Treats | HIV-1 infection | HIV prevention (PrEP) |
| Category | HIV | HIV |
| Manufacturer | Gilead Sciences | ViiV Healthcare |
| Year approved | 2018 | 2021 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $180M | — |
| Common side effects | Worsening of hepatitis B after stopping, Headache, Diarrhea, Nausea | Injection site reactions, Headache, Fever, Fatigue |
Frequently asked questions
Is Biktarvy or Apretude better?
Neither is universally "better." Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) and Apretude (cabotegravir) are both used for hiv, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Biktarvy and Apretude?
Biktarvy is a Integrase Inhibitor + NRTI Combination made by Gilead Sciences, while Apretude is a Integrase Inhibitor (Long-Acting Injectable PrEP) made by ViiV Healthcare. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Biktarvy has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.