Prophylaxis with a nevirapine-containing triple regimen after exposure to HIV-1

Evidence suggests that nevirapine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, might be very effective in the prevention of HIV-1 integration and the reduction of risk of HIV-1 acquisition after exposure. We used a triple combination regimen, including nevirapine, for prophylaxis after occupational or sexual exposure to HIV-1 infection. Of 57 individuals who started therapy, only 41 returned for follow-up. Five had a grade three or four drug-induced hepatitis, two of whom also had a rash. This high rate of major adverse events raises concerns over the safety of such a regimen for its use in this population.