DHHS Guidelines: Rapid Initiation
Selected Sections From the DHHS Guidelines: Rapid Initiation
ART REGIMENS RECOMMENDED FOR RAPID INITIATION1*
- Boosted DRV has a high barrier to resistance and a low rate of treatment-emergent resistance
- DTG/3TC is not recommended in rapid initiation
- TAF is recommended as a preferred drug in pregnancy
- BIC is recommended as a preferred drug in pregnancy
*A sample for genotypic testing should be sent before initiation of ART.1
†DRV/c is not recommended for use in pregnancy.1,2
3TC=lamivudine; ART=antiretroviral therapy; BIC=bictegravir; DHHS=Department of Health and Human Services; DRV=darunavir; DRV/c=darunavir/cobicistat; DTG=dolutegravir; FTC=emtricitabine; TAF=tenofovir alafenamide; TDF=tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
References: 1. Department of Health and Human Services. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents with HIV. Updated September 25, 2025. Accessed November 11, 2025. https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/hiv-clinical-guidelines-adult-and-adolescent-arv/whats-new 2. SYMTUZA® [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP.