Didanosine is an antiretroviral medication which slows the progression of HIV infection. It does so by interfering with the
replication of the genetic material of the virus, thereby inhibiting the reproduction of HIV within the body. Didanosine is
usually used in combination with another antiretroviral agent, such as zidovudine. Didanosine does not cure HIV nor does it prevent HIV transmission.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
The dose of Didanosine is determined by your weight.
Your dosage is ________________mg (____ x _________ mg tablets) every ____________________.
Didanosine is supplied as chewable tablets. The tablets must be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two
hours after eating. If you take the medication with food, the acid produced by the stomach will destroy the medication,
reducing its effectiveness. The tablets are large because they contain a special antacid to buffer stomach acid and ensure you get the most benefit from your medication.
You may take the tablets three ways:
(1) Chew tablets thoroughly, then swallow. Immediately afterwards, swish and swallow a small amount of water to
ensure you receive the full dose. Caution: Chewing didanosine may cause tooth decay. To avoid this problem, brush
your teeth immediately after every dose or choose a different way of taking this medication.
(2) Manually crush the tablets then mix with at least 30 ml (2 tbs.) of water. Stir to dissolve, then drink..
(3) Place tablets in a glass with water and let stand 10 minutes. Stir to dissolve, then drink. Tablets dissolved in water
should be taken immediately or within one hour. Do not use juice to dissolve the tablets or wash them down. Juice often is high in acid and may destroy the ddI.
You may find that didanosine has an unpleasant taste. If you experience a lot of difficulty taking the medication because of the taste, please discuss this with your pharmacist or clinic staff.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose ?
If you miss a dose of Didanosine, take it as soon as possible. If you remember your missed dose close to the time for
your next dose, do not double your dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them.
Didanosine may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea,
and vomiting. Didanosine can also cause peripheral neuropathy (problems with impulse transmission in the nerves).
Symptoms may include tingling, burning, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet. Pancreatitis and peripheral
neuropathy are reversible if recognized quickly and the drug is discontinued, or if the dose is reduced. If you develop any of these symptoms, please call the clinic.
Other adverse effects include: Headache, diarrhea, insomnia, rash, dizziness, constipation, mouth sores, muscle aches,
mild confusion, and pain in the joints. If these effects occur and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss them
at your next visit. Infrequently, Didanosine has been associated with seizures.
In rare cases, Didanosine can lower white blood cells (needed to help fight infection) and platelets (needed to help blood
clot), increase uric acid, or cause abnormalities in blood tests of liver function. To monitor for these side effects, blood tests must be done regularly.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR REGULAR DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
This medication can interact with other drugs, or the buffer may decrease the effectiveness of other drugs. It is important
that your physician or pharmacist knows about other drugs you are taking, even medications you can buy without a
prescription. It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol while taking ddI as alcohol may worsen the side effects.
If you are also taking ketoconazole (Nizoralâ), itraconazole (Sporanoxâ), or ciprofloxacin (Ciproâ), ask your pharmacist the best time to take these in relation to your didanosine.
The safety of Didanosine has not been established during pregnancy or breast feeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern.
How should this medication be STORED ?
Didanosine should be stored in a cool (15-30°C) dry place well out of the reach of children. Do not store in your
bathroom. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to lose effectiveness. The chewable tablets dispersed in water may be kept for up to one hour at room temperature.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN.
PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
