Some people develop a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while using zidovudine. You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you are overweight or have liver disease, if you are a woman, or if you have taken HIV or AIDS medications for a long time.ess serious side effects may include: 1  sleep problems (insomnia); 2  mild nausea, constipation; 3  joint pain; 4  headache; or. 5  changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and trunk).