Videx EC

Generic Name: Didanosine
Product Name: Videx EC

Indication

Videx EC is used for HIV infection therapy in adults and children.

Action

Videx EC is converted to active metabolites in the body to inhibit HIV DNA synthesis and replication.

Dose advice

The recommended dose for adults:

• < 60 kg: 250 mg once daily or 125mg twice daily.
• greater than or equal to 60 kg: 400 mg once daily or 200mg twice daily.

The recommended dose for paediatric patient:

• 120 mg/m2 twice daily in children greater than 6 months.

Videx EC should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. The capsule should be swallowed intact. Videx EC is not a cure for HIV infections. You may continue to acquire HIV-related complications. If that occurs, you should seek medical care immediately. Peripheral neuropathy and pancreatitis are related to Videx EC dose which are most frequently related to patients with a history of these events. Alcohol and the use of other medications may worsen its toxicity effects. You should advise your doctors if that applies to you. Long term effects of Videx EC still remain unknown and Videx EC has not been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others through sexual contact and blood contamination.

Schedule

Schedule 4.

Common side effects

• Diarrhoea (28%)
• Peripheral neuropathy (20%)

Uncommon side effects

• Abdominal Pain (7%)
• Rash (9%)
• Pancreatitis(6%)

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2006.
2. MIMS Online [online]. 2003 [cited 2007 July 08]. Available from: URL: http://mims.hcn.net.au.ezproxy.library.uwa.edu.au/ifmx-nsapi/mims-data/?MIval=2MIMS_ssearch

For further information talk to your doctor.