• This medicine may cause irritation to the pancreas, damage to the liver, or change acid levels in the blood. Closely review the section in this leaflet which lists when to call healthcare provider. Pregnant females may be at a high risk of developing an increase in acid levels when taking stavudine and didanosine together. The combination should only be used in pregnant females when the benefit outweighs the risk.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
• Please read the medication guide.
• If you have an allergy to didanosine or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Store capsules at room temperature.
• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store children's liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after 30 days.
Created: 2006-10-13 11:58:04.0
Modified: 2010-04-07 12:49:51.0
Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Have a yearly eye exam.
• If you are pregnant and taking didanosine and stavudine, check blood work (liver function, acid levels). Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Do not run out of this medicine.
• If you have had an irritated pancreas, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you abuse alcohol, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy in HIV disease.
• Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease in the U.S.
• Headache.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Change in body fat distribution.
• Irritated pancreas can rarely occur.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Not able to eat.
• Severe belly pain.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
• Severe muscle pain or weakness.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Feeling extremely tired or weak.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Vomiting blood.
• Feeling cold.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
