Didanosine



Videx®; Videx® EC







Didanosine

(dye DAN oh seen)

U.S. Brand Names
Videx®; Videx® EC
Canadian Brand Names
Videx®; Videx® EC
Pharmacologic Category
Antiretroviral Agent, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (Nucleoside)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine may cause irritation to the pancreas, damage to the liver, or change acid levels in the blood. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider. Pregnant females may be at a high risk of developing an increase in acid levels when taking stavudine and didanosine together. The combination should only be used in pregnant females when the benefit outweighs the risk.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to didanosine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.
How does it work?
  • Didanosine works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is usually taken with at least two other medicines.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Chewable tablet: Chew or crush well. Mix crushed tablet with glass of water or apple juice. Do not swallow whole.
  • Open powder packet and mix with glass of water. Stir 3 minutes or until powder dissolves and drink.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not run out of this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Chewable tablet contains phenylalanine.
  • Take tetracycline and ciprofloxacin 2 hours before didanosine.
  • If you are on a low-salt diet (powder packet contains salt), talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had an irritated pancreas, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Diarrhea.
  • Numbness and tingling of feet or hands.
  • Irritated pancreas can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam.
  • If you are pregnant and taking didanosine and stavudine, check blood work (liver function, acid levels). Talk with healthcare provider
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store capsules, powder, and tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store children's liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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