Videx

Videx is used in conjunction with other medications to treat HIV and AIDS. Although Videx is not a cure for HIV or AIDS, it does help prevent the HIV virus from multiplying. Videx comes in the form of delayed-release capsules and as an oral solution, and is usually taken once or twice a day. Potential side effects of Videx include diarrhea, nerve problems, and stomach pain.

 

What Is Videx?

Videx® (didanosine) is a prescription AIDS and HIV medication. It is approved for use only in combination with other medications for the treatment of HIV.
 
(Click Videx Uses for more information on what Videx is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Videx?

Videx is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
 

How Does Videx Work?

Videx is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTI medications work by blocking a process that the HIV virus needs in order to multiply.
 
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. Like other viruses, HIV must use a person's own cells to reproduce. However, HIV is a little different than other viruses because it must first convert its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is the DNA genes that allow HIV to multiply.
 
HIV converts its genetic material by using a special protein called the reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA, this enzyme uses several different protein building blocks.
 
Videx works by tricking reverse transcriptase into thinking it is one of these protein building blocks. However, it is just different enough that when used to create DNA, Videx actually stops the DNA from being made. Without DNA, HIV cannot multiply.
 
Videx is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Although it can help stop HIV from infecting uninfected cells in the body, it does not help cells that have already been infected with the virus.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;