Didanosine may cause serious or life-threatening pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcoholic beverages and if you have or have ever had pancreatitis or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you are taking pentamidine (Nebupent, Pentam), stavudine (Zerit), or sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: stomach pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Didanosine may also cause serious or life-threatening lactic acidosis (build-up of acid in the blood) that will probably need to be treated in the hospital. The risk that you will develop lactic acidosis is higher if you are a woman, if you are overweight, and if you have been treated with medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for a long time. The risk may also be higher if you are pregnant and you are taking didanosine along with stavudine (Zerit). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: weakness, tiredness, muscle pain, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, feeling cold, especially in the arms and legs, dizziness, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, and fast or irregular heartbeat.
Didanosine may cause serious liver problems. These problems may need to be treated with a liver transplant or may cause death. Tell you doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain or swelling, easy bruising or bleeding, vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, or dark stools.
Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking didanosine. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk that you will develop serious side effects of didanosine.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to didanosine.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking didanosine.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with didanosine and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Didanosine is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Didanosine is in a class of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Didanosine works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. Didanosine does not cure HIV infection and may not prevent you from developing HIV-related illnesses. Didanosine does not prevent you from spreading HIV to other people.
Didanosine comes as extended-release (long-acting) capsules and a solution (liquid) to be taken by mouth on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. The extended-release capsules are usually taken once a day. The liquid is usually taken once or twice a day. Try to take didanosine around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take didanosine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are using the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole; do not split, chew, crush, break, or dissolve them. Tell your doctor if you are unable to swallow the extended-release capsules whole.
If you are using the solution, you should shake it well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use a dose-measuring spoon or cup to measure the correct amount of liquid for each dose, not a regular household spoon.
Didanosine controls HIV infection but does not cure it. Continue to take didanosine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking didanosine without talking to your doctor. If you miss doses or stop taking didanosine, your condition may become more difficult to treat.
Didanosine is also sometimes used with other medications to help prevent infection in healthcare workers or other people who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
diarrhea
headache
muscle pain
hives
skin rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in hands or feet
blurred vision
difficulty in seeing colors clearly
Didanosine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep didanosine capsules in the container they came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store them at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep didanosine liquid in the refrigerator, closed tightly, and throw away any unused medication after 30 days. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
diarrhea
numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in hands or feet
nausea
vomiting
loss of appetite
stomach pain
swelling of the stomach
muscle or joint pain
extreme tiredness
weakness
dizziness
lightheadedness
fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
deep or rapid breathing
shortness of breath
dark yellow or brown urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting a substance that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
dark stools
yellowing of the skin or eyes
feeling cold
fever
flu-like symptoms
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 06/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.