Stribild 2025 Price and Uses: Comprehensive Guide on Side Effects, Dosage & More

Understanding Stribild: What Is It?

Stribild is a prescription medication designed to treat HIV infection in adults and select pediatric patients. It combines four active agents—elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate—into a single oral tablet, making it a complete HIV treatment regimen.

Key Components of Stribild

• Elvitegravir – an integrase inhibitor that blocks HIV replication.
• Cobicistat – a pharmacokinetic enhancer that boosts elvitegravir’s effectiveness.
• Emtricitabine – a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
• Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate – another NRTI that helps suppress the virus.

Currently, Stribild is available only as a brand-name medication without generic alternatives.

Possible Side Effects of Stribild

Like all medications, Stribild can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. Side effects may vary based on individual health factors, age, and concurrent medications.

Mild Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Nausea
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Unusual dreams
• Mild allergic reactions

These symptoms often improve within days to weeks. Consult your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects

• Kidney impairment or failure
• Liver disease
• Lactic acidosis (dangerous acid buildup)
• Bone density loss
• Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
• Worsening hepatitis B infection (boxed warning)
• Severe allergic reactions
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior

If you experience any severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Allergic Reactions

Symptoms may include rash, itching, flushing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. Promptly contact your doctor or emergency services if these occur.

Indications: Who Should Take Stribild?

Stribild is prescribed for adults and children aged 12 years and older weighing at least 35 kg (77 lbs) to manage HIV infection. It is effective as a standalone regimen without needing additional HIV medications.

Doctors may recommend Stribild for patients starting HIV treatment or for those switching from other regimens if viral load is suppressed and no resistance to its components is detected.

About HIV

HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, leading to immune deficiency. Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, increasing vulnerability to infections and illnesses.

Common early symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, rash, headache, sore throat, night sweats, and diarrhea.

Stribild vs. Genvoya: Key Differences

Both medications contain elvitegravir, cobicistat, and emtricitabine but differ in their tenofovir forms. Stribild uses tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg), whereas Genvoya contains tenofovir alafenamide (10 mg), which may offer improved kidney and bone safety profiles.

Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option based on your health status.

Recommended Dosage and Administration

The standard dosage is one tablet orally once daily with food to ensure optimal absorption.

• Each tablet contains 150 mg elvitegravir, 150 mg cobicistat, 200 mg emtricitabine, and 300 mg tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Consistency in timing and adherence is critical for treatment success.

Missed Dose Guidance

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the time for the next dose. Do not double up doses.

Long-Term Use

Stribild is intended for long-term use under medical supervision to maintain viral suppression.

Precautions and Considerations Before Starting Stribild

Drug Interactions

Stribild interacts with various medications including certain antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, blood thinners, hormonal contraceptives, NSAIDs, and herbal supplements like St. John’s wort. Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.

Medical Conditions

• Mental health history, especially depression or suicidal thoughts
• Kidney or liver impairment
• Bone health concerns
• Allergies to Stribild components

Your healthcare provider will evaluate these factors to ensure safe treatment.

Alcohol Use

While no direct interaction is known, alcohol can exacerbate liver problems. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor during treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Stribild is not recommended during pregnancy due to reduced drug levels and unknown safety in breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider for alternative options and registry enrollment if pregnant.

Cost of Stribild in 2024

The price of Stribild varies based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. Assistance programs like Advancing Access may help reduce out-of-pocket costs. Discuss financial options with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stribild Approved for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)?

Stribild is not FDA-approved for PEP but may be prescribed off-label. PEP must be initiated within 72 hours of exposure to HIV for effectiveness.

Does Stribild Cause Weight Gain?

Stribild is not associated with weight gain. Weight changes may result from HIV treatment in general or health status improvements.

Can Stribild Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss is not a known side effect of Stribild. Other HIV medications may have this effect.

Overdose Information

Taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to serious complications. Contact poison control or emergency services immediately if overdose is suspected.

How to Take Stribild Properly

Swallow tablets whole with food at the same time daily. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. If swallowing is difficult, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Accessibility Options

Pharmacies may offer large-print, Braille, or audio labels and easy-open containers upon request.

Comparing Stribild and Biktarvy

Biktarvy contains bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide and shares similar indications with Stribild. Both carry boxed warnings about hepatitis B reactivation. Discuss with your doctor to select the most suitable therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• How frequently will my viral load be monitored?
• Which pain medications are safe with Stribild?
• Should my partner consider preventive treatment?
• What options exist if I have both HIV and hepatitis B?

Pharmacist Insight

Q: Can Stribild cure HIV?
A: No, Stribild controls HIV by reducing viral load but does not cure it. The goal is to achieve undetectable levels to prevent disease progression and transmission.

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