Medicines to Prevent HIV in Babies: Care Instructions

Overview

Doctors recommend treatment for babies who were exposed to HIV during pregnancy or birth. Antiviral medicines can help keep your baby from getting infected with HIV.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

  • Be safe with medicines. Give your child medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • Be sure your baby gets all the checkups and tests your doctor recommends.
  • If you have HIV, work with your doctor.
    • Keep taking your HIV medicine. It's important to stay healthy so you can take the best possible care of your baby.
    • If you would like to breastfeed your baby, talk to your doctor. How safe it is depends on how well your HIV is controlled.