Your liver and kidney will have to be watched carefully if you take ddC, and your doctor might decide that you should not use ddC at all. When you start any anti-viral treatment you may have temporary side effects such as headaches, hypertension, or a general sense of feeling ill. These side effects usually get better or disappear over time. The most common side effects of ddC are rashes, chest pain, fever, nausea, changes in liver function, and mouth sores. The most serious side effects of ddC are peripheral neuropathy and, in rare cases, pancreatitis .
Peripheral neuropathy is a form of nerve damage.
It usually shows up as tingling, numbness, or a sharp burning sensation in the feet, legs, or hands. The nerve damage is usually temporary and will go away if you stop taking ddC, or reduce the dose. If you continue to take ddC after nerve damage shows up, it may become permanent. See Fact Sheet 553 for more information. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach.