Didanosine is an antiviral medicine that prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body.

Didanosine is used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Didanosine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Didanosine is for use in adults and children who are at least 2 weeks old.

Didanosine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use didanosine if you are allergic to it. Do not take didanosine together with allopurinol, ribavirin, or stavudine.

You may develop a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, if you've taken HIV medication for a long time, or if you are a woman. Ask your doctor about your risk. lactic acidosis,

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, and use your medications properly to control your infection. HIV can be passed to your baby if the virus is not controlled during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on a registry to track any effects of antiviral medicine on the baby.

If you are pregnant, do not take didanosine together with stavudine. This combination can be very dangerous during pregnancy.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease or pancreatitis (didanosine can cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas);
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, including Raynaud's syndrome; or
• if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Use Videx EC (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:

Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• vision changes; or
• signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

• signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cold sores, cough, wheezing, diarrhea, weight loss;
• trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness or prickly feeling; or
• swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence.

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• rash;
• headache; or
• changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

Didanosine affects your immune system, which may cause certain side effects (even weeks or months after you've taken this medicine). Tell your doctor if you have:

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not drink alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or pancreatitis.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice while taking didanosine. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends.

Using this medicine will not prevent your disease from spreading. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.