Generic Rebetol, capsules

Chemical Name: RIBAVIRIN

Common uses

This medicine is a nucleoside analog antiviral medicine that is used in combination with interferon to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes swelling or enlargement of the liver.

Before using

Warning: ribavirin must not be used alone to treat chronic hepatitis C infection because it is not effective. This medicine must always be used in combination with interferon. This medicine may cause serious anemias that can result in worsening of heart problems (including serious, sometimes fatal, heart attacks). Use of this medicine is not recommended in patients with serious heart problems. Ribavirin may cause birth defects and/or fetal death when used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential and women partners of male patients should have a pregnancy test before this medicine is started. Pregnancy must be excluded before the start of treatment with ribavirin. This medicine must not be used during pregnancy, nor by women of childbearing age who are not using reliable birth control (contraception). Ribavirin should also not be used by men whose partners are pregnant. Women should also avoid getting pregnant within the first 6 months following completion of treatment with ribavirin.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking certain HIV medicines such as didanosine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions such as a history or heart problems or pancreatitis, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have kidney disease, certain blood problems such as thalassemia or sickle-cell anemia, or current pancreatitis. Use of this medicine in children under age 3 is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. You should always take it on an empty stomach or always take it with food. Taking this medicine sometimes with food or sometimes on an empty stomach may decrease the effectiveness and/or increase your risk of side effects. It may be best to take this medicine with food (more medicine might be absorbed into your bloodstream). Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees c), away from heat or light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as hemoglobin levels, heart tests, pregnancy tests in women, or liver function tests may be done at the start of therapy and during therapy to monitor your progress and to check for side effects. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol, may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes antacids containing aluminum or magnesium or products that contain simethicone. Patients with HIV infection taking stavudine or zidovudine should talk with their doctor or pharmacist before using ribavirin. The effectiveness of these medicines against HIV may be reduced when given with ribavirin. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children or the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine. It is recommended that female patients or female partners of male patients take a pregnancy test before this medicine is started. A pregnancy test should also be done every month during treatment and for 6 months after the end of treatment with this medicine to make sure no pregnancy occurs during therapy. It is recommended that men and women use two effective forms of birth control while using this medicine.

For women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea; vomiting; headache; dizziness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; nervousness; or flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and muscle aches. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience hair loss, loss of appetite, weight loss, or changes in taste or hearing. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual tiredness and fatigue, dark urine, yellowing of eyes, mental or mood changes, thoughts of hurting yourself, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, chest pain, severe stomach or back pain, prolonged nausea and vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, joint pain, or sinus problems.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Carry an identification card at all times that says you use this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.