Question
How long do I have to give my new baby medicine?
13 April 2024. Related: All topics, Children, Pregnancy.
Hi I’m positive and have a low viral load. My baby was given nevirapine and AZT medicine. Can I stop giving my child these medicines after one week?
Answer
Hi there
Congratulations on your new baby – this is great news.
Please listen to the advice from your doctors though.
Even with a low viral load – and it sounds like this might not quite be undetectable – it is important that your baby continues to also benefit from treatment.
Different countries recommend slightly different treatments and for different times, but in all countries babies use meds for at least 6 weeks.
The info at this link suggests that your baby might need meds for 12 weeks or more.
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/infant-meds-when-the-mother-is-living-with-hiv
This time will soon pass though and the meds will protect your baby until it is okay to stop. The meds are really safe and really effective for your baby – just like they are for you.
Please talk to your clinic so they can also reassure you about this,
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