ddI (didanosine)
4 January 2016. Related: ARVs, Nukes.
No longer recommended in the UK.
dee-dee-EYE (dye-DAN-o-seen)
- ddI is no longer recommended in the UK except when no other drugs can be used. This is because safer alternative drugs are available which have a lower risk of side effects.
- ddI EC, also called didanosine (tradename Videx in Europe), is a nucleoside analogue. The EC stands for ‘enteric coating’ as this slow-release capsule formulation replaced an earlier tablet.
- Generic formulations of ddI may be used in the UK with will have a different brand name, a different pill size and shape and different packaging. The active ingredients will be just as effective as the original formulation.
- Standard adult dose: 1 capsule, once-daily (200, 250 or 400 mg depending on weight).
- Take on empty stomach (without food 2 hours either side of the dose).
- Side effects: lactic acidosis, pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy.
- Other notes: do not use with d4T. Not recommended for use with tenofovir or Truvada.
Further information
Because this drug was approved before the European Medicines Agency (EMA) requirements for infromation were developed, the SPC for ddI is not on the EMA website.
Thess links are to similar information produced as part of the licensing requirement.
Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
The Patient Information is a simplified summary: what the drug is, why it is used, results from studies and cautions including side effects.
The SPC is a detailed technical summary that you can access as a PDF file . It describes more precisely how the drug works and how it is processed by your body. This includes, for example, reported food interaction studies in terms of calories or fat content. It includes more details of the study results and a full list of side effects and drug interactions.