Chewable Tablet, EC Capsule

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Videx (didanosine) is used with other medicines to treat advanced HIV infection.

Do not take Videx (didanosine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Videx (didanosine)

Before using Videx (didanosine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you regularly consume alcoholic beverages if you have liver, kidney, pancreas, or nervous system disorders if you have high blood uric acid levels if you have phenylketonuria if you have any other medical condition.

Videx (didanosine) may cause liver problems and lactic acid imbalance in the blood, which may be severe or life-threatening. Inflammation of the pancreas, including fatal cases, has also been reported with the use of Videx (didanosine).

Other:  Hair loss; weakness; chills; fever; pain; loss of appetite; indigestion; gas; dry mouth; dry eyes; muscle pain; joint pain.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Videx (didanosine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take Videx (didanosine) exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet that is provided with Videx (didanosine) and reread it each time you get your prescription refilled. Videx (didanosine) must be taken with other HIV medicines to be effective. Take Videx (didanosine) on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. Tablets should be thoroughly chewed, manually crushed, or dissolved in at least 1 ounce of water before taking. To dissolve tablets, add 2 tablets to at least 1 ounce of drinking water or clear apple juice. Stir until even mixture forms, and drink entire mixture at once. Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum while you are taking Videx (didanosine). To reduce the risk of stomach upset from excess antacid, take no more than 4 didanosine buffered tablets at each dose. When Videx (didanosine) supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Videx (didanosine) if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time, and may become harder to treat. Stop taking Videx (didanosine) and contact your doctor at once if any of the following occur: Tiredness; unusual stomach discomfort; coldness; dizziness; lightheadedness; slow or irregular heartbeat. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet, report these symptoms to your health care provider. Parents should closely watch their children for these symptoms if they are taking Videx (didanosine). Inform your health care provider if your child has ever experienced any of these symptoms. Contact your health care provider if nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain occurs. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Videx (didanosine). Videx (didanosine) is not a cure for HIV infection and you may continue to acquire illnesses/infections associated with HIV infection. Remain under the care of your health care provider. Videx (didanosine) offers no protection from the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. Use barrier forms of contraception (eg, condoms) if you are infected with HIV. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed their infants because of the risk of transmitting the HIV infection. Periodic eye exams and other lab tests may be required. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Videx (didanosine) without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Videx (didanosine). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Videx (didanosine) in tightly closed bottles between 59 to 86 degrees F. If dispersed in water, the dose may be held for up to 1 hour at controlled temperature. If this solution is further flavored with clear apple juice, it is stable at room temperature (62 to 73 d