DIDANOSINE DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL (Videx EC) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

DIDANOSINE DELAYED-RELEASE-ORAL Index

didanosine delayed-release - oral, Videx EC

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GENERIC NAME: DIDANOSINE DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL (dye-DAN-oh-seen)

BRAND NAME(S): Videx EC

WARNING: Rarely, didanosine has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) pancreas problem (pancreatitis) when used alone or with other HIV medicines. Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal/back pain).

Rarely, didanosine has caused a severe (sometimes fatal) liver and blood problem (lactic acidosis). Immediately tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems (persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin) or lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, drowsiness, muscle aches, severe weakness). Pregnant women with HIV may be more likely to have this problem. Liver and pancreas problems may be more likely if didanosine is used in combination with hydroxyurea and/or another HIV medicine (stavudine).

USES: This drug is used in combination with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer). Didanosine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI.Didanosine is not a cure for HIV and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (such as sharing used needles).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using didanosine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth usually once daily on an empty stomach, at least 1 and 1/2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Doing so may decrease their effectiveness.The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.If you are taking HIV medications for the first time, you may experience symptoms of an old infection as your immune system begins to work better. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any trouble breathing, fever, new cough, vision problems, headaches, or skin problems.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. Do not increase your dose, take this drug more often than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.