DIDANOSINE The capsules must be swallowed whole. disappear if recognized quickly and if the Do not crush, open or chew the dose of the drug is decreased or if the drug capsules. The capsules must be taken on is stopped. If you develop any of these Other NAMES: ddI, Videx EC  an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 symptoms, please inform your doctor or hours after eating. pharmacist. WHY is this drug prescribed? What should you do if you FORGET a Rarely, didanosine can cause inflammation Didanosine is an antiretroviral (anti-HIV) dose? of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms drug that is part of the nucleoside reverse include severe abdominal pain with or transcriptase inhibitor (NRTIs or Nukes) If you miss a dose of didanosine, take it as without nausea and vomiting. Consult a family. It is used together with other soon as possible. However, if it is time for doctor immediately if this occurs. antiretrovirals to delay the progression of your next dose, do not double the dose, just HIV infection. By doing this, your immune Other adverse events include diarrhea, + carry on with your regular schedule. system should improve (increase in CD4 nausea, headache, fever, insomnia, count) and you will be better protected Why should you not forget to take this dizziness, rash, muscle and joint aches, and against infections. drug? mild confusion.

Didanosine does not cure AIDS or If you miss doses of didanosine, the amount Very rarely, didanosine can cause completely kill the HIV virus, but helps to of HIV virus in your blood (known as the leucopenia (a decrease in the number of prevent further damage by slowing down viral load) will start increasing again and white blood cells so that you have a higher the production of new viruses. Treatment your immune system will be further risk of bacterial infection) and an abnormal with didanosine does not reduce the risk of damaged. A few missed doses can be liver function. These adverse effects usually passing infection on to others. You will still enough for didanosine to stop being active. occur after you have been on the drug for a be able to pass HIV by sexual contact, by A phenomenon known as resistance . long period of time. Blood tests will be blood transfer or by sharing needles. You When this happens, other antiretrovirals done regularly to check for any changes in should always use appropriate precautions that work in a similar way to didanosine may your white blood cell count and to check to prevent passing HIV on to others. also become inactive. Therefore, missing your liver and pancreas function. Inform doses of didanosine can decrease your doctor if you notice any symptoms of HOW should this drug be taken? treatment options for the future. Even if fever, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue, you do not feel well, you should always take abdominal pain and muscle pain. The dose of didanosine is adjusted based your doses of didanosine. Please do not on your weight and kidney function. stop didanosine without talking to your It is important that you keep your doctor doctor first. appointments and come for your  Your dosage of didanosine (Videx EC ) is: laboratory tests so that your progress

What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug can be followed. 125 mg capsule cause? What should you do about 200 mg capsule them? What other PRECAUTIONS should you 250 mg capsule follow while using this drug? 400 mg capsule Didanosine may cause tingling, burning or numbness in the hands and feet (peripheral You must make sure that you are taking the ____ capsule (____mg) once a day neuropathy). These symptoms can right dose. If you take higher doses of didanosine than what is prescribed, you may increase the chance of having adverse checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on effects. If you take lower doses of the outside of the package. didanosine than what is prescribed, the HIV virus may become resistant to didanosine. Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen, as heat and moisture may cause the drug to It is recommended that you do not drink be less active. alcohol while taking didanosine, as alcohol DIDANOSINE may worsen the adverse effects. If you have any questions or concerns about this drug or if you are (ddI, Certain drugs can increase or decrease the experiencing adverse effects, please  effect of didanosine. Also, didanosine might discuss them with your pharmacist, Videx EC ) influence the effect of other drugs you are doctor or nurse. taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescribed and non-prescribed drugs Write questions or concerns down to you are taking. As well, you should inform ensure they are addressed. them of natural products you are taking. If MEDICATION you wish to start a new drug or natural The following pharmacist is available to product, please consult with your answer questions: pharmacist before doing so. FACT SHEET Pharmacist: ______For example, taking other drugs that cause tingling, burning and numbness in the Telephone: ______hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) may increase the risk of developing this adverse effect.

Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment to help to reduce the risk of passing the HIV virus on to your baby. Breastfeeding is NOT recommended if you have HIV as you might transmit the virus to your baby through your breast milk.

How should this drug be STORED?

Reference: Product Monograph. Videx EC  (didanosine Didanosine capsules should be stored in a EC). Montréal, Qc, Canada: Bristol-Myers Squibb, 2009. cool (15-30 °C) dry place, protected from Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Reviewed 2009. light and well out of the reach of children. Ensure that the drug has not expired by Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at : www.hivclinic.ca