Be sure your doctor knows if you have had liver problems. Your liver will have to be watched carefully if you take d4T, and your doctor might decide that you should not use d4T 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 serious side effects of d4T are peripheral neuropathy and lactic acidosis.
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 d4T, or reduce the dose. If you continue to take d4T after nerve damage shows up, it may become permanent. See Fact Sheet 553 for more information. Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.