VIDEX

Drug Name: VIDEX

VIDEX DESCRIPTION:
DIDANOSINE (DDI) - ORAL PACKETS (dye-DAN-oh-seen)

COMMON VIDEX BRAND NAME(S):
Videx

VIDEX SIDE EFFECTS:
VIDEX may cause headache, cough, rash, weakness, loss of appetite, chills, fever, sore tongue or mouth, change of taste, muscle or joint pain or insomnia as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or become worse. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, tingling, numbness or pain in your hands or feet, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark urine or rapid breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VIDEX:
VIDEX: Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. It is important to give this medicine on an empty stomach. Open packet and pour contents into one half glass of water (4 ounces or 120ml). Do not mix with fruit juice or carbonated drinks. Stir well until the powder is completely dissolved. This should take 2 to 3 minutes. Drink the solution immediately.

VIDEX WARNING:
Didanosine can cause severe, even fatal, side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), blood problems (lactic acidosis) or liver problems. Fatal lactic acidosis has also occurred during pregnancy when VIDEX was used in combination with stavudine and other drugs used to treat HIV. Stop using VIDEX and notify your doctor immediately if you develop stomach or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, rapid breathing, dizziness, feeling cold (low body temperature), yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine. Your doctor must determine whether or not you have pancreatitis before re-starting didanosine. Though you are being treated for HIV infection, you may continue to develop problems because of a decrease in your body's ability to fight infections.

VIDEX USES:
Didanosine stops the growth of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to help fight AIDS. It is used in patients over 6 months old. VIDEX is not a cure for AIDS nor does it prevent the passing of HIV to others.

VIDEX PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of pancreatic disease or tingling of the hands or feet (called peripheral neuropathy). Also mention if you have a history of kidney, heart or liver disease; are on a sodium-restricted diet; have had major surgery, infection or injury; history of alcohol use, gall bladder problems, stomach problems, vision problems, high fats in the blood (triglycerides), and of any allergies. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may worsen pancreatitis. Before using didanosine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if didanosine passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can pass HIV infection, do not breast-feed.

VIDEX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, triazolam), delavirdine, drugs that decrease stomach acid (e.g., cimetidine, omeprazole), ganciclovir, protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir), ribavirin, stavudine, zalcitabine, and zidovudine. Also, report the use of drugs that may increase the risk of pancreatitis (e.g., pentamidine or sulfonamides such as cotrimoxazole). Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use dapsone, itraconazole, ketoconazole within 2 hours of VIDEX. Food decreases the absorption of VIDEX. Follow your doctor's advice about food and the use of VIDEX. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VIDEX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tingling, burning, or numbness in hands or feet; diarrhea; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine or pale stools; unusual fatigue; or severe stomach pain with nausea or vomiting.

VIDEX NOTES:
Blood tests and eye exams will be done to monitor your progress. This is a powerful medication and should not be shared with others.

MISSED VIDEX DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

VIDEX STORAGE:
Store at 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. After dissolving in water the solution may be stored at room temperature for no more than four hours.