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Drug prophylaxis

Authoring team

Drugs are used prophylactically in two main situations:

  • following HIV exposure e.g. needlestick injury
  • to prevent vertical transmission of HIV

Antirtroviral therapy is given within hours of exposure and is usually taken for four weeks (1).

There is no concensus about the need for drug prophylaxis after unprotected high-risk sex.

Reference:

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