Delhi Man Critical After Severe Drug Reaction Linked to Unsupervised HIV PEP Use

Unsupervised HIV Drug Use Lands Delhi Man in Critical Condition

A 45-year-old man from Delhi is battling a life-threatening medical emergency after developing a rare and severe adverse drug reaction linked to the unsupervised intake of HIV preventive medicines. The incident has reignited concerns around self-medication, lax enforcement of prescription drug regulations, and the growing reliance on artificial intelligence platforms for medical guidance without consulting qualified doctors.

Medical Emergency Following Self-Medication

Doctors at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital confirmed that the patient had consumed HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs after what he considered a high-risk sexual exposure. Instead of seeking medical advice, he relied entirely on recommendations generated by an AI-based chat platform. He reportedly procured a complete 28-day course of antiretroviral medicines from a local chemist without a prescription.

After about a week of drug intake, the patient developed widespread skin eruptions and severe eye involvement. His condition worsened as he moved between multiple healthcare facilities before being admitted to RML Hospital in a critical state.

Rare Diagnosis: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Hospital specialists diagnosed the patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) , a rare but potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, most often triggered by medications. The condition causes extensive damage to the skin and mucous membranes, leading to blistering, peeling, and systemic complications.

Doctors stated that the immediate focus is on stabilising the patient, managing skin and ocular damage, and preventing secondary infections. They emphasised that early detection and supervised care are crucial, as delayed treatment can significantly increase mortality risk.

Doctors Flag Risks of AI-Based Medical Decisions

Medical experts expressed alarm over two aspects of the case: the ease with which prescription-only antiretroviral drugs were sold and the patient’s dependence on AI-generated medical advice. Under current national HIV treatment protocols, PEP must be prescribed only after a detailed clinical evaluation, risk assessment, baseline blood tests, and counselling, followed by close monitoring for side effects.

Physicians warned that antiretroviral drugs are powerful medications and can cause serious complications if taken without supervision. They also cautioned that AI platforms, while useful for general information, cannot replace clinical judgement, especially in high-risk and time-sensitive medical situations.

Important Facts for Exams

• HIV post-exposure prophylaxis should be started within 72 hours of possible exposure.

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe, life-threatening adverse drug reaction .

• Antiretroviral medicines are prescription-only drugs under national guidelines.

• AI tools are informational aids , not substitutes for professional medical advice.

Public Health and Regulatory Concerns

Health policy experts said the incident exposes gaps in enforcing prescription regulations at pharmacies and highlights the urgent need for public awareness on the dangers of self-medication. The case also raises broader questions about the unchecked use of AI platforms for direct health decisions.

Doctors stressed that while digital tools can support awareness, strict safeguards are needed to prevent their misuse. Strengthening pharmacy oversight, reinforcing doctor–patient consultation pathways, and educating the public on safe healthcare practices were identified as