Didanosine Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Didanosine

liver damage which may cause side effects of itching, pain in the lower abdomen or back, upset stomach, vomiting, decrease in appetite, dark-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
bloating, enlargement of stomach, vomit the consistency of coffee grounds or coughing up blood
feeling anxious, agitated or nervous
difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
bowel problems which may result in severe diarrhea
inflammation of the neck or throat area
eye or vision changes: trouble seeing, sore or painful feelings in eye, seeing random flashes of light, trouble moving eyes
difficulty breathing, speaking or walking properly
numb or tingling sensations
new infection which may cause flu-like symptoms
bruising easily or abnormal bleeding
sores on the inside of the mouth
increase in heart rate
shaking or twitching (tremors)
rapid and unexplained decrease in weight
changes in menstruation
trouble having sex, or loss in desire to have sex (decreased libido)
appearing more pale than usual, weakness and feeling lightheaded
strong pain in the lower portion of the back and decrease in bowel function which may cause a loss of bladder control
lactic acidosis (excess lactic acid produced in the body) with the following side effects: weakness, numbness, muscle pain or aching, difficulty breathing, rapid or irregular heart beat, pain in the lower section of the abdomen, nausea accompanied by omiting, and feelings of dizziness, faintness or drowsiness
severe allergic reaciton: hives, rash, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth or face

Common Side Effects of Didanosine

headache or pain
rash
nausea
mild tinging or numbness
mild diarrhea
change in the distribution of fat around the body

Warnings & Recalls for Didanosine

Serious Complications Related to Didanosine and HIV

Didanosine may pose serious health risks, especially when taken for long periods of time. See "Side Effects" tab for details about possible reactions. Adverse side effects may include:

lactic acidosis (production of abnormally high amounts of lactic acid in the body)
liver damage or decreased liver function
pancreatitis

Patients should be aware that didanosine does not cure HIV or AIDS. If you have HIV or AIDS be sure to practice safe sex. Do not share razors or toothbrushes as this may transmit the virus to others.

Didanosine and Pregnancy

Didanosine is labeled as an FDA pregnancy Category B medicine. Didanosine is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, some side effects related to didanosine such as liver complications may be harmful to the fetus during pregnancy. Discuss your options with your doctor to ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Do not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, this may result in the passing of the virus to the child.

General Warnings

Do not take didanosine if you are allergic to the medicine or any ingredient in it. Didanosine should not be taken with allopurinol or ribavirin.
Let your doctor know about any of the following medical conditions you may have:

liver or kidney disease
Raynaud's syndrome
a history of any problem which has resulted in numb or tingly feelings, especially in the hands or feet
ever had pancreatitis

Tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you may be taking in order to avoid possible drug interactions, particularly:

stavudine
ganciclovir
hydroxyurea
methadone
tenovir

Patients should not consume alcohol while undergoing treatment with didanosine. Certain antacids may be unsafe to take while using didanosine. Ask your doctor for a complete list of antacids that are safe to use.

Didanosine Treatment and Use

Didanosine | Videx is a generic antiviral medication for treating the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Didadosine is prescribed to patients with HIV to control and prevent the spread of the virus throughout the body. This medication may be effective in preventing the development of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Didasoine is solely a treatment for HIV and AIDS, not a cure.

How Does Didanosine Work?

Didanosine works by preventing the multiplication process of the human immunodeficiency virus. Didanosine blocks HIV from using DNA as a building block and stops the spread of the virus.

Didanosine Dosage Information

Didanosine is available in extended-release capsules and liquid (oral suspension) form to be taken orally. This medication should be taken at least half an hour before or two hours after eating. It is generally recommended that patients take extended-release capsules once every 24 hours. Liquid form didanosine may be taken 1-2 times daily. Do not break didanosine capsules or chew the medication as it may cause the medication to be released improperly into the body. Read all packaged instructions before taking didanosine.

Take didanosine exactly as prescribed to you by your doctor. Ask your doctor about safely taking other medications with didanosine.

Other Names for Didanosine

Brand name:

Videx

Videx EC

Generic name:

Didanosine