Didanosine

What is didanosine?

Didanosine (also called Videx® or Videx-EC®) is used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This medicine is one of a group called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Didanosine can slow down how soon you will see symptoms or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection. Didanosine is available in these forms:

• liquid
• powder (that is mixed with a liquid before taking)
• 125-mg, 200-mg, 250-mg, and 400-mg extended-release capsules

How to take didanosine

• This medicine is usually taken either one (1) time a day or 2 times a day. If you take didanosine 2 times a day, one (1) dose should be taken in the morning and one (1) dose should be taken at night.
• Didanosine should be taken on an empty stomach. Take it 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
• The powdered form of the medicine should be mixed with water.
• Do not take didanosine with acidic liquids such as apple juice, orange juice, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks.
• Shake liquid didanosine well before you take it.
• The capsules must be swallowed whole.

Possible side effects of didanosine

• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Tingling in the hands or feet

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for didanosine

• Didanosine liquid must be stored in the refrigerator. When didanosine liquid is kept in the refrigerator, it can be used for up to 30 days. After that time, the medicine should be thrown away and replaced with a new supply.
• Didanosine capsules and powder should be stored at room temperature.
• Didanosine may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include amprenavir, dapsone, floroquinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro®), fluconazole, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and nelfinavir.
• Some medicines may affect the way didanosine works. These medicines include antacids, ganciclovir, and tenofovir.
• Always tell the doctor if you are taking these medicines, or if you start taking any new medicines while you are taking didanosine.