Didanosine (By Mouth)

Didanosine (dye-DAN-oh-seen)

Treats human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Didanosine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Videx EC, Videx
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to didanosine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Delayed Release Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Powder, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
• Chewable tablets must be chewed before you swallow them. You may mix the tablets in at least 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of water and stir the water until the tablets dissolve. Drink the medicine right away. You may add 2 tablespoons of clear apple juice to the water for flavor. Do not use any other kind of juice.
• The powder medicine must be mixed with a half-glass (4 ounces) of water. Do not mix with fruit juice or other acidic drinks. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved (2 to 3 minutes) and drink the solution right away.
• Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Didanosine is taken with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using allopurinol (Zyloprim®), antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, or Riopan®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), methadone, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), an antibiotic (such as Cipro®), delavirdine (Rescriptor®), or indinavir (Crixivan®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or on a low-salt diet, or if you have kidney or liver disease, pancreas problems, PKU (phenylketonuria), gout, or a history of nerve problems.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving HIV to your partner during sex. Make sure you understand and practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. Do not share needles with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Eye pain or changes in vision
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
• Slow or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, or tenderness
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual tiredness, weakness, or confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Headache, skin rash or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.