Didanosine

Information about Didanosine

Didanosine uses

Didanosine is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

How didanosine works

Didanosine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

Common side effects of didanosine

Headache, Nausea, Rash, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Pancreatic inflammation, Elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, Elevated serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, Increased lipase in the blood, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Lactic acidosis, Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), Liver toxicity, Noncirrhotic portal hypertension, Retinal disorders, Optic neuritis

Available Medicine for Didanosine

  • ₹1250 to ₹1950
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹738 to ₹1132
    Cipla Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹685 to ₹1170
    Hetero Drugs Ltd
    3 variant(s)

Expert advice for Didanosine

  • In combination with other medicines, it is used for the treatment of HIV infections.
  • Take it with food, as this increases the absorption of the medicine into the body.
  • Didanosine may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection while taking this medication.
  • You can also pass on HIV or HBV to others. Don't share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
  • During treatment and for at least six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells in your blood.

Frequently asked questions for Didanosine

Didanosine

Q. What is Didanosine? What is it used for?
Didanosine belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
Q. How does Didanosine work?
Didanosine prevents the multiplication of the virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Q. Is Didanosine safe?
Didanosine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.
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Q. How should I take Didanosine?
Didanosine should be taken in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. This medicine is to be taken on an empty stomach to get maximum benefit. It is better to take Didanosine at a fixed time of the day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.
Q. Is Didanosine effective?
Didanosine is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Didanosine too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Didanosine?
If you forget a dose of Didanosine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Content on this page was last updated on 23 December, 2022, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)