Delhi Man Critically Ill After Taking HIV Prevention Drugs Based on AI Advice

New Delhi: A 45-year-old man in Delhi is fighting for his life after self-administering HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs based on advice from an AI platform—without consulting a doctor. The incident highlights the dangers of relying on AI for high-risk medical decisions.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Triggered
Medical investigations revealed that the man developed Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening drug reaction. The drugs he took are meant to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure and should only be taken under medical supervision. According to national guidelines, PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure and discontinued if baseline HIV tests are negative.

Sequence of Events
The patient purchased a full 28-day course of PEP from a local chemist without a prescription. After taking the medication for seven days, he developed severe rashes, eye complications, and other symptoms, prompting visits to multiple hospitals before being admitted to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for intensive care. Doctors stated that managing the drug reaction is now their primary focus.

Doctors Warn Against AI as a Substitute for Clinical Advice
Medical professionals emphasized that AI tools cannot replace trained doctors, particularly in high-risk situations. The patient’s medications were previously available only with prescriptions and are no longer recommended under updated treatment protocols. Proper PEP administration requires medical evaluation, risk assessment, baseline testing, and close follow-up to monitor adverse effects.

Experts Advise Caution
Health experts warned that unsupervised use of antiretroviral drugs can cause serious organ damage, trigger long-term complications, and even become life-threatening. The case also exposes regulatory gaps in the sale of prescription-only medications.

Takeaway
Doctors stressed that while AI can provide general health information, it should not be relied upon for clinical decisions, particularly for high-risk treatments that require professional monitoring. This alarming case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of self-medication guided by AI.