|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (rye
ba VYE
rin) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Rebetol®;
Virazole® |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antiviral Agent |
|
|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. You must use two effective
forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends.
This medicine can cause a dangerous drop in your red blood cell count. Tell
healthcare provider if you have any heart or lung diseases. You should not take
this medicine alone to treat hepatitis C infection. |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to ribavirin or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have any of the following conditions: Autoimmune hepatitis,
poor kidney function, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia major.
If you are taking ribavirin alone for treatment of hepatitis C
infection.
If you are of childbearing age, but are not using two forms of birth
control or if you are planning to become pregnant during your treatment or
within 6 months after treatment has ended.
If you are a male patient with a sexual partner who is pregnant or
plans on becoming pregnant at any time while you are being treated or within 6
months after your treatment has ended.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
If you are breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat hepatitis C infection.
This medicine is used to treat respiratory syncytial
virus. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Ribavirin works to injure the virus and fight the
infection. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
All forms:
To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
This medicine must be used with interferon alfa-2b for treatment of
hepatitis C.
Oral:
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach.
Inhalation:
You will inhale this medicine through your
nose. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine
can increase blood sugars.
If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have hepatitis B or HIV disease, talk with healthcare
provider.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have had an organ transplant, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
If you have lung disease, you may be more sensitive to this medicine.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Use two forms of birth control that you can trust while using this
medicine and for 6 months after treatment ends.
If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from
pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. Use two forms
of birth control that you can trust. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects
you.
Anemia.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Not hungry. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
Severe dizziness or passing out.
Difficulty breathing.
Severe belly pain.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine or
within 6 months after treatment ends.
For males, if your female partner becomes pregnant while you are
being treated or within 6 months after treatment ends.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store capsules in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen.
Store powder at room temperature. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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