NEW DELHI: A 45-year-old man from New Delhi is in critical condition after developing a rare and severe drug reaction from HIV post-exposure medicines he took without medical supervision, reportedly based on advice from an AI chat platform.
The man suffered from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by adverse drug reactions, after self-administering the medicines following a high-risk sexual encounter.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs are used to prevent HIV infection after possible exposure, typically through unprotected sex or needle sharing. These medicines must be started within 72 hours of exposure and discontinued if the source person tests HIV-negative. Medical evaluation and monitoring are essential before and during treatment.
Doctors at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital said the patient purchased a full 28-day course of PEP from a local chemist without a prescription, relying solely on AI-generated guidance.
According to hospital officials, the man took the medication for seven days before developing severe rashes. He subsequently visited multiple hospitals for eye and other complications before being admitted to RML Hospital, where he was diagnosed with the serious drug reaction and placed under intensive care.
“The patient is critical. Our immediate priority is to manage the drug reaction,” a senior doctor involved in his treatment said.
Doctors expressed concern that the medicines were sold over the counter despite no longer being routinely prescribed under revised treatment protocols.
“The drugs consumed by the patient are no longer recommended in this form, as guidelines have changed,” a treating physician said.
Under national health guidelines, HIV post-exposure treatment involves strict medical supervision, including risk assessment, baseline testing, and regular follow-ups to monitor side effects. Experts warn that unsupervised use of antiretroviral drugs can lead to severe complications, including organ damage and long-term health issues.
The case has highlighted gaps in enforcing prescription-only regulations for critical medicines and the growing trend of individuals relying on AI platforms for medical advice instead of consulting qualified doctors.
Medical experts cautioned that while AI tools may provide general information, they cannot replace professional clinical judgment, especially in high-risk situations. They also called for stronger standards to regulate the use of online AI platforms in healthcare decision-making.
