Didanosine Chewable tablet

What is this medicine?

DIDANOSINE, ddI is an antiretroviral drug. It is used with other medicines to treat HIV. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It will not stop the spread of HIV to others.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• gout
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• pancreatitis
• phenylketonuria
• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• an unusual or allergic reaction to didanosine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. You may chew the tablets or dissolve them in liquid. If you chew them, be sure to chew them completely and swallow with a drink of water. If you dissolve the tablets in liquid, dissolve them in 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of water or clear apple juice only. Stir until the tablets dissolve and drink all of the solution immediately. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your anti-HIV therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the HIV virus resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 weeks old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with the following medication:

• zalcitabine, ddC

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• allopurinol
• antacids
• delavirdine
• ganciclovir
• hydroxyurea
• indinavir
• itraconazole
• ketoconazole
• methadone
• ribavirin
• some antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, tetracycline
• stavudine, d4T
• tenofovir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine.

HIV is spread to others through sexual or blood contact. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of HIV.

Do not treat severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting with over-the-counter medicines. Contact your doctor.

Alcohol can increase the risk of developing severe side effects when taken with this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• changes in vision
• nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
• tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• dry mouth or eyes
• headache
• heartburn or gas
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain
• skin rash
• weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

When dissolved in the apple juice it can be stored at room temperature (17 to 23 degrees C or 62 to 73 degrees F) for up to 1 hour. Throw it away if you cannot take it within 1 hour.