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Drug prophylaxis

Last reviewed 1 Jan 2018

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:

(1) The Medical Foundation for AIDS & Sexual Health (MedFASH) 2005. HIV in primary care: an essential guide to HIV for GPs, practice nurses and other members of the primary healthcare team

Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following HIV exposure

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Drug prophylaxis

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