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Approved for HIV Exposure Outside of Work Settings

Rebecca Voelker

JAMA. 2005;293:1177-1178.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

After years of uncertainty, the US government has determined that sufficient evidence exists to sanction the use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection following nonoccupational exposure to the virus. Experts caution, however, that prophylactic antiretroviral drugs should be used sparingly, only when the risk of transmission is substantial.

"These guidelines are intended for use in limited circumstances for individuals who are not at high ongoing risk of infection," said Ronald O. Valdiserri, MD, MPH, deputy director of the National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Preventive antiretroviral therapy may be appropriate following exposure to HIV during sexual assault, a nonoccupational needlestick, or an infrequent lapse of safer sex practices. "We’re talking about substantial exposure risk," said Valdiserri. "The guidelines are not meant to be a substitute for primary prevention practices."

TRIPLE DRUG REGIMEN

Issued in late January, the guidelines recommend . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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