Prolonged use of AZT can lead to myopathy. Didanosine is sometimes combined with the anticancer drug hydroxyuria, because it increases the effectiveness of didanosine. But it also increases didanosine s side effects and should be used with extreme caution. The usual dose of didanosine is two 200 mg pills per day or one 400 mg daily, taken on an empty stomach. The pills have to be chewed or crushed and dissolved in water.
Some people have trouble chewing the pills or swallowing the dissolved pills.
A new form of swallowable didanosine is expected to become available within the next year so. Didanosine s main side effects are an upset stomach and diarrhea. Pancreatitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication. If there are any signs of pancreatitis, this drug should not be used. Pancreatitis is more likely to develop in patients with advanced HIV infection.