Lactic acidosis occurs when cells are unable to convert food into usable energy.
While the complication is a well-described complication of the HIV drugs, fatal complications have recently been linked to taking the combination. In later stages, excess acid accumulation can lead to failure of the liver and pancreas. The warnings were issued following the deaths of three pregnant women who had been taking the drug combination, along with other antiretrovirals. All three women contracted lactic acidosis. Two of the women died during pregnancy, and the third, postpartum.