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The increase in the use of antiretroviral treatments in Africa to eradicate HIV transmission raises the question of the micro-social impacts of the drug: does it convey individualization and empowerment, or rather social effects deleterious for people? A study conducted in Burkina Faso with women allowed an analysis of the effects of drug use as compared to behavioral measures for the prevention of HIV transmission through breastfeeding. Women can avoid the social constraints linked to the behavioral strategy if they opt for antiretroviral drugs since the treatment allows them to maintain common practices regarding infant feeding, and to negotiate to their advantage the sharing of the news of their HIV status with others (spouse, extended family, etc.). The interconnections between antiretroviral drugs, individualization, and empowerment reveal that the individualizing model underlining the healthcare systems is not always favorable to women, whereas the use of pharmaceuticals can provide them some autonomy.