Lactic acidosis occurs when cells of the body are unable to convert food into usable energy.
As a result, excess acid accumulates in the body and vital organs such as the liver or pancreas may be damaged. Severe lactic acidosis is an infrequent, but well-described complication of the class of HIV drugs known as nucleoside analogues. Pancreatitis is also a well-described complication of Videx and Zerit. Two of the cases were reported from ongoing clinical trials of an investigational HIV drug, and one was identified through worldwide postmarketing surveillance. In addition, postmarketing surveillance identified several nonfatal cases of pancreatitis, with and without lactic acidosis or hepatic failure, occurring in pregnant women receiving stavudine plus didanosine.