Hivid warnings and precautions include potential drug interactions, possible risks for people with liver disease, and the chance for developing dangerous medical conditions (such as pancreatitis, lactic acidosis, and hepatic steatosis). Before taking Hivid, talk to your healthcare provider about any health conditions you may have, such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. Precautions and warnings with Hivid also extend to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
• Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
   

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding.
   

• Hivid can cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be very dangerous. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you have any signs of pancreatitis, such as:

 

• A tender or swollen abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Rapid breathing. 

 

• Rarely, Hivid can cause lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis. These medical conditions are caused by damage to the liver and can be very dangerous. You are at a higher risk for these conditions if you already have liver disease.
   
• Hivid can cause nerve problems (known as peripheral neuropathy). Often, these nerve problems cause unusual sensations, such as numbness, burning, or tingling. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop these nerve problems.
   
• Hivid can cause mouth or throat sores. These sores can become quite severe and may interfere with your ability to eat properly. Let your healthcare provide know if you develop severe mouth or throat sores.
   
• There have been reports of congestive heart failure (CHF) in people taking Hivid. If you already have CHF, it is possible that Hivid can make your condition worse.
   
• Hivid appears to increase the risk of lymphoma (a certain cancer). Let your healthcare provider know if you develop a painless swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin (which may be a symptom of lymphoma).
   
• The kidneys help remove Hivid from the body. If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may need to monitor you more closely and may recommend a lower Hivid dosage.
   
• Hivid can change the distribution of fat on your body. You may gain fat in areas that are not typical for you, such as in the abdomen or at the back of the neck (a "buffalo hump"), and you may lose weight in other areas.
   
• Hivid is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. If you have HIV or AIDS, you should always use safer sex practices, regardless of whether you are taking medications.
   
• As with all HIV medications, it is important that you take Hivid exactly as prescribed. Missing doses may increase the chance of the virus becoming resistant to HIV medications.
   
• Hivid can interact with a few different medications (see Hivid Drug Interactions for more information).
   
• Hivid is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that Hivid may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Hivid and Pregnancy).
   
• It is not known if Hivid passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Hivid and Breastfeeding). It is important to understand that the HIV virus can be transmitted through breast milk and that breastfeeding is usually not recommended in women with HIV or AIDS.