ddI: FDA Approves Once-Daily Dosing

On October 28 the FDA approved a new ddI (Videx (r)) formulation designed to be taken once a day. The new version, dosed two tablets once a day, will be available in December. Videx has already been used once a day off label, but it is reassuring to have official approval. The manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb of Princeton, New Jersey, is now sending detailed information to physicians.

Once a day use is important because this drug can be inconvenient to schedule, due the need to reduce stomach acidity to protect the ddI, resulting in restrictions on food and certain other medicines near the time it is administered. The new dosing may improve adherence, and help patients stay on their therapy longer.