Pancreatitis can appear as a pain in the stomach area that goes through to your back. If pancreatitis isn't caught soon enough, it can be very serious. Careful monitoring of blood enzymes called amylase and lipase can provide an early warning of pancreatitis. If you're taking ddI avoid alcohol, which can increase risk of pancreatitis. You should avoid taking ddI with the drug allopurinol as this drug significantly increases ddI levels in the body.
Some adults find the children's version of ddI easier to take than the tablets.
For adults, children's ddI can be mixed by a pharmacist to give a strength of 20mg of ddI per milliliter of liquid. If you're having trouble taking ddI tablets, ask your doctor about trying the children's version. Bristol-Myers Squibb, who make Videx, has Reimbursement Assistance and Temporary Assistance Programs for people having trouble affording the drug. The FDA has issued a revised warning letter to doctors regarding pancreatitis and ddI . Letter to Doctors regarding better results with twice daily dosing.