acyclovir vs bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of acyclovir and bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Some examples of drugs that are eliminated by active tubular secretion include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, cidofovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), and high-dose or multiple NSAIDs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
Zovirax
Biktarvy
Acyclovir is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by certain viruses.
Biktarvy is a complete HIV-1 treatment for adults and children who weigh at least 31 pounds. It combines three medicines into one tablet to help control the virus.
Acyclovir is used to treat shingles, which is caused by herpes zoster. It also treats genital herpes, both the first time you have it and when it comes back. Acyclovir can also treat chickenpox.
Biktarvy treats Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) in adults and children weighing at least 31 pounds. It can be used if you have never taken HIV medicine before. It can also replace your current HIV medicine if your virus is under control and you have no resistance to Biktarvy's components.
Acyclovir stops the virus from growing and spreading. It does this by interfering with the virus's ability to make copies of itself. This helps your body fight off the infection.
Biktarvy contains three drugs that each block HIV in different ways. Bictegravir stops HIV from inserting its DNA into your cells. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide interfere with an enzyme HIV needs to make copies of itself.
- • Malaise (feeling unwell)
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Diarrhea
- • Nausea
- • Headache
- Fatigue 7,612
- Diarrhoea 7,064
- Pneumonia 5,471
- Nausea 5,328
- Pyrexia 4,719
No adverse event reports.
Acyclovir can cause nervous system problems, especially in older adults or people with kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking this medicine.
If you have both HIV and hepatitis B, stopping Biktarvy can cause your hepatitis B to suddenly get worse. Your doctor will need to monitor your liver closely for several months after you stop taking Biktarvy. You may need to take medicine for hepatitis B.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if acyclovir will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking acyclovir while breastfeeding.
There is a pregnancy registry to track outcomes in women who take Biktarvy during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Biktarvy if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is not enough data to assess the risk of major birth defects.
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How to Read This acyclovir vs bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Comparison
acyclovir is classified in the Antiviral (Nucleoside Analog) drug class, while bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir sits within the Integrase Inhibitor / NRTI Combination class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, acyclovir has 30,194 submissions while bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir has 0. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to these medications leave the body through the same kidney filters, which could lead to a buildup of the drugs in your system.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for acyclovir or bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.