Product Information
Videx and Videx EC are anti-HIV medications. They are in a category of HIV medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs prevent HIV from altering the genetic material of healthy T-cells. This prevents the cells from producing new virus and decreases the amount of virus in the body. Videx, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, was the second drug approved for the treatment of HIV, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1989. Videx or Videx EC must be used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs. The correct dose of Videx EC is one 400mg capsule once a day (for people who weigh 132 pounds or more) or one 250mg capsule (for people who weigh less than 132 pounds). It is also possible to take Videx capsules twice a day: one 200mg capsule twice a day (for people who weigh 132 pounds or more) or one 125mg capsule twice a day (for people who weigh less than 132 pounds). Videx EC should not be used by babies or children. Videx tablets or powder are necessary for pediatric patients. Videx EC must be taken on an empty stomach (not eating within two hours before or one hour after taking Videx EC). Food and many liquids can prevent Videx EC from being properly absorbed into the bloodstream. Videx EC should be taken with water. It should not be taken with acidic juices, soda, or milk. Videx EC can be taken with other medications, because it does not contain an antacid buffer (which is used in Videx tablets). Numerous studies have demonstrated that Videx is effective for the treatment of HIV when combined with other anti-HIV drugs, usually at least one other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and either a protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Videx should not be taken alone (as monotherapy) or with just one other anti-HIV drug. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) lists Videx as an "alternative" NRTI for HIV-positive people starting anti-HIV treatment for the first time (Retrovir [AZT], Epivir [3TC],and Viread [tenofovir] are listed as "preferred" NRTI options). If Videx is used, the DHHS recommends combining it with either Epivir or Emtriva (FTC) plus the NNRTI Sustiva (efavirenz). The DHHS recommends against using Videx or Videx EC and Zerit (d4T) or Hivid (ddC) in the same drug combination. The risk of side effects, which are similar for Zerit, Hivid, and Videx/Videx EC, are increased when these drugs are used at the same time. Therapy with Videx can cause certain changes (mutations) in HIV's structure to occur. Some mutations will prevent Videx from working against HIV. Some studies suggest that HIV is much more likely to become resistant to Videx if it is already resistant to Retrovir (AZT), another NRTI. If HIV is not resistant to Retrovir, resistance to Videx may develop much more slowly. If HIV does become resistant to Videx, it will not likely be sensitive to Hivid (ddC), another NRTI. However, this is not the same the other way around: HIV that becomes resistant to Hivid may still be sensitive to Videx. If your viral load does not go undetectable or becomes detectable (and increases) while you are taking an anti-HIV drug regimen, your doctor can order a drug-resistance test to determine if your HIV has mutations that are causing resistance to Videx and to help you figure out which NRTIs your HIV is still sensitive to. Methadone, a drug frequently used to help people recovering from heroin addiction, can decrease the amount of Videx in the bloodstream. This can result in an anti-HIV drug regimen being less effective against HIV, which can cause drug resistance. Combining Videx with Zerit (d4T), another nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), may increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. This is especially true in HIV-positive pregnant women who take both of these drugs together. In turn, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that HIV-positive women not take these two drugs together while they are pregnant. Videx can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect that can be life-threatening in some cases. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You should avoid alcohol while you are taking Videx, as alcohol can increase the risk of damage to your pancreas. A common side effect of Videx is peripheral neuropathy, which can result in pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands and/or feet. Stopping Videx and starting another NRTI that does not usually cause peripheral neuropathy for example, Retrovir (AZT) or Ziagen (abacavir) is often the best way to stop peripheral neuropathy. Other common side effects include stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and central nervous system effects (e.g., anxiety, headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, and restlessness). Very often, these side effects improve within a few months/weeks of starting Videx. Damage to the eyes is another serious side effect that can be caused by Videx. This is more likely to occur in HIV-positive children taking Videx. Anti-HIV drug regimens containing NRTIs, including Videx and Videx EC, can cause increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, abnormal body-shape changes (lipodystrophy; including increased fat around the abdomen, breasts, and back of the neck, as well as decreased fat in the face, arms, and legs), and diabetes.
