A 45-year-old man from Delhi remains in critical condition after developing a severe drug reaction linked to the unsupervised intake of HIV preventive medication. The incident occurred in January 2026 and involved the use of antiretroviral drugs following advice obtained from an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot instead of a licensed medical professional.
Doctors at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital confirmed that the patient consumed the medication without undergoing medical evaluation or prescription, raising concerns about self-medication and misuse of digital health tools.
According to hospital officials, the man started taking a 28-day course of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after consulting an AI platform for medical guidance. He reportedly began the medication in mid-January 2026 and continued it for nearly a week.
Within days, he developed a widespread rash, fever, and mucosal involvement, prompting emergency hospitalization. Physicians diagnosed him with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare but serious adverse drug reaction that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Post-exposure prophylaxis is intended for individuals who may have been recently exposed to HIV and is most effective when started within 72 hours of exposure. Medical guidelines emphasize that PEP must be prescribed by a clinician following risk assessment, HIV testing, and evaluation for potential drug contraindications.1
Doctors involved in the case highlighted that bypassing these steps increases the risk of adverse outcomes. Antiretroviral medications are potent drugs that require careful monitoring, particularly during the initial days of treatment.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe immune-mediated reaction, most commonly triggered by medications. It affects the skin and mucous membranes and can progress rapidly. Early symptoms often resemble flu-like illness, followed by painful rashes, blistering, and skin detachment.
Certain antiretroviral drugs are known to carry a risk of such reactions, particularly when taken without medical screening or monitoring. Treatment typically requires intensive care due to the risk of infection, fluid loss, and organ complications.2
Global health authorities, including national HIV prevention programs and the World Health Organization, recommend that HIV preventive therapies such as PEP and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) be initiated only after clinical evaluation.1
These therapies require laboratory testing, assessment of drug interactions, and follow-up visits to ensure safety and effectiveness. Self-medication bypasses these safeguards and increases the risk of serious adverse outcomes.
AI-based tools can provide general health information but cannot replace clinical judgment, diagnosis, or prescription authority. Medical experts emphasize that AI platforms are not equipped to evaluate individual risk factors, detect contraindications, or manage drug-related complications.
Using AI advice as a substitute for professional healthcare can lead to inappropriate treatment decisions, as seen in this case.
The patient remains under close observation, and his condition is described as critical.
This incident highlights the risks of accessing prescription medications without medical oversight and relying on AI for treatment decisions. Healthcare professionals stress the importance of consulting qualified doctors for preventive therapies and enforcing regulations around prescription drug sales.
As digital health tools become more accessible, clear public awareness about their limitations remains essential to prevent avoidable harm.
1. World Health Organization. Guidelines for HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Geneva: World Health Organization, July 22, 2024. Accessed January 31, 2026. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240095137
2. Oakley AM, Krishnamurthy K. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. 2023 Apr 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29083827.
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