AEGiS-ATDN: Zerit and Videx in Pregnant Women AIDS Treatment Data NetworkImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Zerit and Videx in Pregnant Women

Information Bulletin #13 May June 2001

The FDA has issued a warning that pregnant women who are taking both Zerit (stavudine, d4T) and Videx (didanosine, ddI) may be at increased risk of fatal lactic acidosis. Lactate is a by-product made when the body processes glucose and fat. Usually, the body eliminates lactate. If there has been damage to the mitochondria, (the cell's power plant), the body isn't able to clear out lactate. If there is a build-up of lactate in the cells and organs of the body, it can be fatal. Lactic acidosis can also cause damage to the liver and pancreas. Early symptoms of lactic acidosis include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and pain in the stomach. Lactic acidosis can also occur in men, and in women who are not pregnant. The combination of d4T and ddI should be prescribed for pregnant women only in situations where the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.
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