Videx

Generic name:didanosine [ dye-DAN-oh-seen ]
Brand names: Videx, Videx EC
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 16, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Videx?

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

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

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

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

Warnings

Do not take Videx together with allopurinol, ribavirin, or stavudine.

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.

Videx can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver or pancreas. Call your doctor at once if you have: severe pain in your upper stomach (may spread to your back), nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Before taking this medicine

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease or pancreatitis (Videx 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.

You may develop lactic acidosis, 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.

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 Videx together with stavudine. This combination can b...