Q and A

Question

How long does my baby need HIV treatment for?

I’m HIV positive and breastfeeding, I would like to know if my baby has to take nevirapine until I stop breastfeeding him? I want to stop breastfeeding at 4 months and would like to know how to do that? I also want to know if I can buy nevirapine and co-trimoxazole at the chemist?

Answer

Hi there,

Congratulations on having your baby.

Normally your baby will have to take HIV treatment for 4 – 6 weeks but please check with your doctor. It also best to speak to them about how to breastfeed and when to stop. Your doctor should provide you with a prescription for nevirapine and co-trimoxazole (Septrin) as they normally won’t be available at your chemist without this.