Using Taffic from India in place of Biktarvy
This might not be the right place to ask, so please point me in the right direction if possible. I’m a US citizen who has been living full time in Mexico. While living here I contracted HIV, and the Mexican government has been awesome with free doctor care, lab work, and treatment. I started on Atripla and was converted 3 years ago to Biktarvy (though I had no issue with Atripla).
This summer I turn 65 and will go on Medicare. I also will be spending 6 months of the year back in the US with family. While looking into the Medicare drug plans I found that Biktarvy in the US will cost me $4,000 a year (weighted to the first 3 months). While Mexico has been great, they only give me a 2 month supply at a time. On a rare occasion they will allow me to get 3 months. 6 months is out of the question, so I have to find a source in US.
While searching the web I came across a legally licensed version of Biktarvy in India that ships to the US. The product is called Taffic. Anyone know if it’s OK, and if I can switch back and forth with Biktarvy (which I will get when I’m back in Mexico)?
, I am glad you reached out and I hope anyone with a similar experience can chime in here. We are not medical professionals so cannot advise you if it is safe to switch to to a mail-order generic. Although they cannot prescribe, do you feel comfortable asking one of your doctors specifically about the taffic tablets? I cannot find much information on how it is tested or regulated, so would want to be sure a medical professional told you it was safe.
As you research, this page about Biktarvy may be useful: https://h-i-v.net/treatment/biktarvy
Additionally, you might reach out to a provider in the area of the US that you will be living. Maybe they can provide information on what is available. Here is a good database of clinics and providers: https://www.hiv.gov
Has anyone else had experience with changing medications as you travel?
- Liz (Team Member)Hi
. On top of the excellent information from Liz, I want to share with you this article, published just yesterday, on frequently asked questions on prescription drug importation: https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/. It includes information on regulations, with links to FDA guidance on importation of non-FDA approved drugs for personal use. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member)
