Should zidovudine ever be used alone?
Most of the information known about the safety and side effects of these drugs is based on studies of their use in HIV-infected individuals. For these individuals, ZDV and 3TC have usually been well tolerated when taken in the doses recommended. There is less information about IDV, but it also may be well tolerated when used for a short period. IDV should not be used in combination with certain other drugs, including some prescription antihistamines (consult your health-care provider). Some of the more frequent side effects reported in HIV-infected patients include the following: • Upset stomach (for example, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), tiredness, or headache for people taking ZDV • Upset stomach and, in rare instances, pancreatitis for people taking 3TC • Jaundice and kidney stones in people taking IDV, although these side effects are infrequent when IDV is taken for less than one month. The risk of kidney stones may be reduced by drinking 48 oz of fluid per 24-hour period. There is
