Didanosine is used together with other medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Take Didanosine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available in oral solution or capsule.
If you are taking enteric coated capsule (usually labeled as “EC”), take it on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose. Take it on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.
Didanosine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- inflammation of the pancreas
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine does not reduce your risk of passing the HIV infection to others through sexual contact or through contamination with infected blood. Ensure that you take proper precautions to avoid spreading the HIV infection to others.
In addition, while undergoing treatment you may continue to develop other infections or experience other health problems related to your HIV infection. Always keep your doctor updated on your condition and go for your appointed checkups.
While being treated with Didanosine, you will need to have regular blood tests (e.g. liver function tests). These blood tests will help your doctor monitor your condition while you are being treated with this medicine.Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these blood tests.
Didanosine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- aches and pains, joint stiffness and difficulty in movement
- stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, giddiness, fever and yellowing of the skin and white of your eyes
- numbness, tingling and pain in the arms or legs
- redistribution of body fat that may change the way your body looks
- blurred vision, dry eyes or changes in the colour of your eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat other viral infections e.g. ganciclovir, ribavirin
- other medicines to treat HIV infection e.g. tenofovir, zidovudine
- antibiotics e.g. pentamidine, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, dapsone
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole or ketoconazole
- metformin (medicine for diabetes)
- medicines for gout e.g. allopurinol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Didanosine.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of Didanosine. If you must take antacids, there should be at least 2 hours interval between the antacid and this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Reconstituted Didanosine oral suspension should be refrigerated between 2 – 8°C. Any unused suspension should be discarded after 30 days.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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