Videx EC (Didanosine)

Do’s

• Take on an empty stomach: Swallow the capsules whole, at least 1.5 hours before or 2 hours after a meal, as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow healthcare provider's instructions: Take the exact dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider, considering your weight, condition, and response to treatment.
• Take consistently: It's crucial to take Videx EC (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed, every day, and at evenly spaced times. Don't skip doses or alter the schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Maintain routine: To aid adherence, take your medication at the same time each day.

Don'ts

• Don't crush, chew, or open capsules: Swallow the capsules whole to ensure proper medication release.
• Don't adjust dosage yourself: Never increase your dose, take it more often, or stop taking it without your healthcare provider's approval.
• Don't skip or stop treatment: Skipping doses or stopping treatment can increase the virus, make it harder to treat, or worsen side effects.

Common side effects of Videx EC may include:

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Videx EC may cause serious side effects including:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
• Unusual muscle pain
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Dizziness
• Feeling cold
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Numbness tingling or pain in your hands or feet
• Bloody or tarry stools
• Coughing up blood
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Vision changes
• Loss of appetite
• Upper stomach pain (may spread to your back)
• Nausea
• Dark urine
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Swollen glands
• Cold sores
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Problems with balance or eye movements
• Prickly feeling
• Swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
• Menstrual changes and
• Impotence

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Videx EC, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially to Videx EC or any of its inactive ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems, nerve problems, alcohol use, high blood fat levels, gallbladder problems, or gout.

Avoid alcohol as it can increase your risk of liver problems and pancreatitis.

Videx EC may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss this risk with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of heart problems, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Disclose all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products, to your healthcare provider before any surgery.

Older adults may be at higher risk for pancreatitis while taking Videx EC.

Videx EC should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider, as it can help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby.

It is unknown if Videx EC passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding due to the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk.