Drugs & Vitamins

DDI Active Ingredients: Didanosine Representative Names: DDI, Videx Available Product Images: What are didanosine, ddI tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with didanosine, ddI? What side effects may I notice from taking didanosine, ddI? What should I watch for while taking didanosine, ddI? Where can I keep my medicine? What are didanosine, ddI tablets? (Back to top) DIDANOSINE, ddI (Videx®) is an antiviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI. Didanosine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Didanosine may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Didanosine is used in combination with other drugs to treat the HIV virus. Didanosine will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. You may still develop other infections or conditions associated with HIV. Generic didanosine chewable/dissolvable tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •frequently drink alcoholic beverages •gout •high cholesterol •kidney disease •liver disease •pancreatitis •phenylketonuria •tingling or numbness in the hands or feet •an unusual or allergic reaction to didanosine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take didanosine tablets by mouth. You should take at least 2 tablets for each dose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. DO NOT swallow didanosine tablets whole. Didanosine tablets must be chewed or dissolved in liquid before swallowing. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food; do not take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you decide to chew the tablets, chew them completely and swallow with a drink of water. If you decide to dissolve the tablets, drop the tablets in at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water or clear apple juice only. Stir the tablets until they dissolve, then drink all of the solution immediately. After the tablets have been dissolved in water or clear apple juice, the solution can be kept at room temperature, but must be used within 1 hour. To help to make sure that your anti-HIV therapy works as well as possible, be very careful to take all of your medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with didanosine, ddI? (Back to top) •alcohol •allopurinol •antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium •atazanavir •certain antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin or tetracyclines) •delavirdine •ganciclovir •hydroxyurea •indinavir •iron supplements or vitamin-mineral tablets with iron •itraconazole •ketoconazole •methadone •nelfinavir •ribavirin •ritonavir •stavudine, d4T •tenofovir •thyroid hormones •valganciclovir •zalcitabine Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking didanosine, ddI? (Back to top) Other drugs you are taking with didanosine may affect the severity and occurrence of side effects you experience. Not all the side effects listed occur in everyone. If you notice an unusual side effect, contact your health care provider. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •changes in body appearance (such as weight gain or loss around the waist and/or face) •changes in your eye sight •fever or chills, sore throat •nausea and vomiting •stomach pain •tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet •rash, itching •unusual bleeding or bruising •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •dry mouth or eyes •gas •headache •heartburn •muscle and joint pain •stomach upset What should I watch for while taking didanosine, ddI? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Discuss any new symptoms with your prescriber or health care professional. Alcohol can increase the risk of developing severe side effects when taken with didanosine. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking didanosine. Do not treat yourself for nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you get tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet. Didanosine will not cure HIV and you can still get other illnesses or complications associated with your disease. Taking didanosine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV infection to others through sexual or blood contact. It is best to avoid sexual contact so that you do not spread the disease to others. For any sexual contact, use a condom. Be careful about cuts, abrasions and other possible sources of blood contact. Never share a needle or syringe with anyone. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/16/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.