Delhi man self-administers HIV preventive drugs on AI advice, critical

Published On 2026-02-01 11:15 GMT | Update On 2026-02-01 11:15 GMT

Delhi Man Hospitalized After Following AI Guidance for HIV Prevention

New Delhi: Following advice from an AI chat platform, a 45-year-old man in Delhi is critically ill at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital after developing a rare drug reaction from HIV post-exposure medicines he purchased without a prescription.

The man developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a severe condition causing extensive skin and mucosal damage, after self-administering the antiretroviral drugs for seven days. Doctors at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) said the patient had purchased a full 28-day course of PEP from a local chemist without a prescription, bypassing necessary medical evaluation.

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Post-exposure prophylaxis is intended to prevent HIV infection and must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure. The treatment requires strict medical supervision, and it must be stopped if the patient tests HIV negative.

Speaking to the Economic Times, doctors said the patient took the medicine for 7 days before developing rashes. He then approached multiple hospitals for treatment for eye and other complications before finally being admitted to RML Hospital. The patient was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a condition that can cause extensive skin and mucosal damage and requires intensive care. "The patient is critical. Our immediate priority is to manage the drug reaction," a senior doctor involved in the treatment said.

Doctors expressed concern over how easily the patient was able to obtain these prescription-only drugs, which are no longer routinely available over the counter under national guidelines. Unsupervised use of antiretrovirals can cause life-threatening reactions, organ damage, and long-term health complications.

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The case also exposes gaps in regulating access to critical medicines and the growing trend of individuals relying on AI platforms for medical guidance. Doctors stressed that while AI can provide general information, it cannot replace professional medical judgment, particularly in high-risk situations, and urged adoption of stricter standards to prevent direct health interventions through AI.

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Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education

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Delhi man self-administers HIV preventive drugs on AI advice, critical

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