Key takeaways
- Biktarvy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription drug that’s used to help treat HIV.
- Biktarvy’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
- Biktarvy is only available as a brand-name drug. It doesn’t come in a generic form, and therefore, doesn’t have a generic cost.
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. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Biktarvy.
To find out how much you’ll pay for Biktarvy, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or see the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.
Coupons and savings
To save money on your Biktarvy prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Biktarvy and cost.
Biktarvy’s cost per month with insurance compared to the cost without insurance can vary. This is because Biktarvy’s price depends on several factors, including specifics about your insurance coverage (if you have it) and the pharmacy you use.
Similarly, Biktarvy’s cost per pill will also vary depending on whether you use insurance or pay out of pocket, the pharmacy you choose, or whether you have a cost savings coupon.
To find out your monthly or per-pill cost for Biktarvy, talk with your pharmacist. If you have insurance, you can also talk with your insurance provider.
Yes, a copay card is available from Gilead, Biktarvy’s manufacturer.
If you have insurance, you may need to make a copayment (copay) for services, including prescriptions. This is a fixed amount that you may have to pay for your medication. Biktarvy’s copay card can help lower this amount.
To learn more, including whether you’re eligible for the card, check out this website.
Biktarvy only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less 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 ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive.
The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can produce generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.
If you take Biktarvy long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:
- 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 financial support to pay for Biktarvy or help understanding your insurance coverage, assistance is available. For example:
- A program called Gilead Advancing Access Co-Pay Savings Program is available for Biktarvy. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 800-226-2056 or visit the program website.
- Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.