What side effects of Biktarvy should HIV patients know?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am very nervous and anxious right now. I was recently diagnosed with HIV, and at 29 years old, it was a huge shock to me. I was started on Biktarvy at the clinic, but they did not tell me what to expect going forward.

What I need is help with a few things. What does this mean for my health and how long I can expect to live?
If someone has HIV, is it safe for them to have children in the future?

I am afraid I might have given it to my girlfriend because we had sex without protection last week before I found out my status. She is getting tested tomorrow.

And I do not know who I am supposed to say it to. Do I inform my family?
Should I tell my boss?
I know HIV treatment may be quite expensive, sometimes thousands of dollars a month. Is the normal treatment expense covered by health insurance?

I do not know how long I may have been infected. It is possible it could be related to a one-time sexual encounter about six months ago. Over the past few months, I have experienced night sweats and have lost around 10 pounds, although I assumed those symptoms were due to work-related stress.

What kind of follow-up do I need?
How often should I see a health care provider? What are the negative effects of Biktarvy that I should be aware of?

Emotionally, I am struggling. I have not been able to stop crying, and I have not been able to sleep well for the last two days after getting the diagnosis. Any reassurance or advice regarding living with HIV now would be appreciated.

Also, is there any chance the test result could be wrong, and if so, what confirmatory testing is normally recommended?

Thank you for your time and advice.

Would really appreciate any recommendations you have.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I hope you are doing well.

Thank you for reaching out to us with your concerns. First off, I am glad you are seeing a doctor and starting therapy. This is a good and healthy step for your health and the health of your companion.

A positive test for HIV does not mean you have AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an infection that, if untreated, can steadily destroy your immune system over many years and can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). However, early diagnosis and adequate treatment can help most individuals living with HIV stay healthy and have long, productive lives.

You are administered Biktarvy, a very effective, once-a-day antiretroviral drug containing Bictegravir, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir alafenamide. This medication stops the virus from multiplying in the body and also helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the bloodstream and preserve the immune system. It is a favored therapeutic choice for many adults and children starting therapy for HIV.

Your health care provider will perform routine blood tests to monitor your progress. This will be part of your continued care. The blood tests will include HIV viral load tests and immune system tests. If therapy is followed regularly, the viral load often drops considerably and becomes undetectable within a few months, but the exact time varies from person to person.

Many people living with HIV can have healthy children when preparing for a family in the future. Effective antiretroviral medication can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to a partner and, in pregnancy, can greatly reduce the chance of parent-to-child transmission. If you have the right medical advice, planning, and close supervision from an HIV specialist, having a baby is safe.

The cost of treatment and monitoring will vary depending on your region, your health care system, and your insurance coverage. Many nations have health insurance plans or government-supported initiatives that help pay for HIV-related care and medicines. Check your own insurance benefits, then talk to your health care practitioner or a social worker about support services that are available.

This diagnosis might be intimidating, but with proper medication and follow-up care, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic condition for most people. Continue to stay in touch with your care team, take your medicine as prescribed, and attend your appointments to help keep your health and quality of life protected.

I hope this answers your questions.

Please feel free to follow up whenever needed.

Thank you.