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Videx

(didanosine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Videx work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Videx?
• What form(s) does Videx come in?
• Who should NOT take Videx?
• What side effects are possible with Videx?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Videx?
• What other drugs could interact with Videx?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Videx work? What will it do for me?

Didanosine belongs to the class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) required to infect cells and make more virus. HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Didanosine is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat the infection caused by HIV. Didanosine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Didanosine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others, but it does help to slow down the progression of the disease. This may help to delay the development of problems related to AIDS or HIV disease.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Videx?

The following doses are only average doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

For the treatment of advanced HIV infection or AIDS:

• teenagers and adults less than 60 kg (130 lb) - 125 mg (chewable tablet) every 12 hours
• teenagers and adults 60 kg (130 lb) or more - 200 mg (chewable tablet) every 12 hours
• children (based on weight) - the dose ranges from 31 mg to 125 mg (pediatric liquid) every 8 to 12 hours

Didanosine tablets should be thoroughly chewed or crushed and mixed in at least one ounce of water before swallowing. If tablets are mixed in water, the entire volume of water should be swallowed immediately after mixing.

The pediatric liquid will be prepared by the pharmacist. Shake the mixture thoroughly before each use and store the tightly closed container in the refrigerator for no more than 30 days.

Didanosine should be taken on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after eating) since food might reduce the amount of medication that gets absorbed into the bloodstream.

This medication should not be taken with acidic fruit juices.

It is very important to take this medication on a regular basis, as prescribed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume dosing.

Store this medication away from heat, direct light, and moisture.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Videx come in?

Pediatric Powder for Oral Solution

Each glass bottle contains didanosine 4 g . Nonmedicinal ingredients: none.

Tablets

25 mg
Each round, off-white to light orange/yellow with a mottled appearance, orange-flavoured, chewable, dispersible buffered tablet, embossed with "VIDEX" on one side and "25" on the other, contains didanosine 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium stearate, mandarin-orange flavour, microcrystalline cellulose, polyplasdone and sorbitol.

100 mg
Each round, off-white to light orange/yellow with a mottled appearance, orange-flavoured, chewable, dispersible buffered tablet, embossed with "VIDEX" on one side and "100" on the other, contains didanosine 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium stearate, mandarin-orange flavour, microcrystalline cellulose, polyplasdone and sorbitol.

150 mg
Each round, off-white to light orange/yellow with a mottled appearance, orange-flavoured, chewable, dispersible buffered tablet, embossed with "VIDEX" on one side and "150" on the other, contains didanosine 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aspartame, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium stearate, mandarin-orange flavour, microcrystalline cellulose, polyplasdone and sorbitol.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Videx?

Didanosine should not be given to anyone with allergy to any of the ingredients of the medication. Phenylketonurics should not take the tablets, as they contain aspartame.

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