Delhi Man Critical After AI Advice: Risks Of HIV Drug Misuse Explained

A 45-year-old man in New Delhi was recently hospitalised in critical condition after self-administering HIV prevention drugs bought over the counter, based on medical advice from an AI chatbot. According to doctors treating him at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, the man developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe and potentially life-threatening drug reaction, after taking a course of HIV post-exposure medicines without any clinical evaluation or follow-up. Health experts say this unusual case highlights a troubling trend: the reliance on artificial intelligence for medical diagnosis and treatment advice without professional supervision can lead to critical health crises. While tools like AI offer general health information, they are not substitutes for clinical assessment and prescription by trained clinicians, particularly for potent medications such as antiretroviral drugs.

One legitimate class of HIV-related medication is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment shown to drastically reduce the risk of HIV infection when taken correctly under medical supervision. However, PrEP and other antiretroviral therapies must be prescribed after HIV testing, risk assessment, and routine monitoring by clinicians. Misuse of these drugs can cause serious side effects and complications. Here's what PrEP is actually used for medically and why taking health advice, especially drug recommendations, from AI chatbots can be risky.

What PrEP Actually Is And When It's Used

Medical Purpose of PrEP

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) refers to the use of specific antiretroviral medications by people who are HIV-negative but at significant risk of exposure to HIV. It is not a treatment for existing HIV infection.

The purpose of PrEP is to prevent HIV from establishing infection if exposure occurs. When taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by about 99% and through injection drug use by at least 74%. This level of protection has made PrEP a cornerstone of HIV prevention strategies in many countries.

PrEP is recommended for people who do not have HIV but have ongoing risk factors such as:

• Having a partner with HIV, especially if not virally suppressed
• Inconsistent condom use during sex
• Recent sexually transmitted infections
• Sharing needles for drug use

Before starting PrEP, an HIV test is essential to confirm that the person is HIV-negative, and regular follow-up testing is needed to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness.

Read More: India Makes Strides In Decreasing New HIV Infections, AIDS-Related Deaths: Government Data

How PrEP Works And Why Adherence Matters

PrEP medications typically contain two antiretroviral drugs, combinations such as emtricitabine and tenofovir, that prevent HIV from replicating and establishing infection in the body if exposure happens. When these drugs are present in sufficient levels in the blood and tissues at the time of exposure, they effectively block the virus.

Timing and consistent use are crucial. Daily use builds up protective drug levels; irregular or unsupervised use dramatically reduces effectiveness and can theoretically contribute to drug resistance. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy, so condoms and comprehensive prevention remain important.

Where It Goes Wrong: Self-Medication And AI Advice

The Delhi case illustrates the risks of unsupervised use of potent drugs. According to the treating doctors, the man took a full 28-day course of HIV post-exposure drugs obtained without prescription after he was advised by an AI chatbot. He developed a severe drug reaction within a week, leading to critical illness.

Antiretroviral drugs, whether for PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), or treatment, have specific indications, dosing schedules, and monitoring requirements that must be determined by a clinician after proper testing. Clinical guidelines, including those from WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasise that medication regimens should be tailored to the individual's risk profile and medical history.

Using HIV medicines without medical supervision can lead to:

• Severe adverse reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Organ toxicity or rare but serious side effects
• Development of drug resistance if used inconsistently
• False sense of protection or inappropriate cessation of other prevention measures

Read More: The New Face Of Healthcare: Can AI Help India's Overburdened Doctors And Patients Alike?

AI Medical Advice: Benefits And Limits

AI tools have rapidly become accessible sources of health information, offering general educational content about diseases, risk factors, and prevention. However, they have limitations:

• They lack clinical context and access to a person's medical records.
• They cannot perform physical examinations or diagnostic tests.
• They may provide descriptive rather than prescriptive medical guidance.

In complex cases involving prescription drugs, diagnostics, and individualised risk assessment, only a trained clinician can interpret test results, understand contraindications, and decide on appropriate therapy. Relying solely on AI for medical decision-making, especially involving drug therapy, is inappropriate and potentially harmful.

This caution aligns with recent legal precedents, such as the Supreme Court's ruling that unproven therapies, like stem cell treatments for autism, outside approved clinical trials are unethical and may constitute medical malpractice. The court stressed that consent without credible scientific evidence and proper context is invalid and dangerous.

PrEP, when prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals, is a safe and highly effective prevention strategy for people at risk of HIV infection. However, self-medication based on AI chatbot advice can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The Delhi case starkly illustrates that potent medications must be used only under clinical guidance, with proper testing, monitoring, and risk assessment. AI can provide information, but it is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.