Videx Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is Videx (Didanosine)?

Videx is the brand name of the generic drugs didanosine and dideoxyinosine. It is part of the drug class nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (also referred to as nukes) and is used to treat (not cure) adults and children with HIV-1 infection and HBV infections in adults. It is always used in combination with other medications. Videx is manufactured by Bristol-Meyers Squibb and comes in caplet and powder form. The active ingredient in this medication is didanosine.

What is Videx used for?

Videx and its generic counterparts are used in combination with other medications to help patients with immunodeficiency conditions like HIV-1 maintain their supply of CD4 cells, which are needed to help the body fight off infection, including HIV. The primary goal of this medication is to prevent (not cure) infections and viruses from multiplying in the body. Videx does not help prevent the transmission of HIV to other people.

How to take Didanosine

Videx is available in both caplet and powder form. When didanosine comes in powder form, it is mixed by a doctor with water to create a drinkable solution. The powder can be used by adults and children who are at least 2 weeks old. The liquid solution comes in two strengths:

• 4-oz glass of water mixed with 2g of didanosine
• 8-oz glass of water mixed with 4g of didanosine

Dosage

When taken in caplet form, children must be at least 44kg in weight and at least 6 years old. The caplets come in 125mg, 200mg, and 400mg time release caplets. The caplets contain enteric-coated beadlets that allow the medication to be absorbed in the small intestine.

Videx should be taken on an empty stomach at the same time each day. The oral solution should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. The tablet should be swallowed whole. If you forget a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose.

Warnings and precautions

Before taking Videx, patients should tell their doctor if they have any of the following:

• Liver or kidney problems (including having dialysis treatments)
• Bone problems
• Pancreas problems including pancreatitis
• Any other conditions requiring medications
• You should not drink alcohol while taking this drug
• Numbness or tingling or any pain in your feet or hands (neuropathy)
• Pregnant, taking birth control, or breastfeeding
• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to didanosone or any of its ingredients
• Taking any vitamins or herbal supplements

Videx side effects

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Depression
• Stomach pain

Serious side effects

• Swelling of the pancreas
• Lactic acidosis
• Liver problems
• Loss of body fat
• Neuropathy
• Vision changes (blurred)
• Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, which could be a sign of liver problems:

• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, skin)
• Light-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Pain or aching feeling in the right side of the stomach

Signs of pancreatitis include:

• Severe stomach pain or swelling
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Nausea

Signs of lactic acidosis include:

• Weight loss
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Difficulty breathing
• Arms and legs feeling cold
• Unusual muscle pain
• Feeling weak or tired
• Irregular heartbeat

For more information on adverse reactions, warnings and contraindications, please refer to the package insert.