Question
How long does my baby need HIV treatment for?
6 October 2016. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Children, HIV transmission, Pregnancy, Southern Africa.
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.