6. 6 ART during pregnancy: choice and safety

Which HIV drugs to use in pregnancy

WHO guidelines recommend pregnant women not yet on treatment, start ART with tenofovir DF + 3TC (or FTC) + efavirenz.

AZT can be used if tenofovir DF is not available or appropriate.

Nevirapine can be used if efavirenz is not available or appropriate.

WHO guidelines are for people living in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/arv/policy-brief-arv-2015/en

Nevirapine is not recommended for women with CD4 counts above 250 cells (not just during pregnancy). This is because of risk of liver toxicity. It is safe for women with CD4 counts below 250 cells.

In high-income countries, ART can include any combinations that are routinely recommended for adult care.

Last updated: 1 January 2016.