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Medicines to Prevent HIV in Babies: Care Instructions

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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.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.