Rebetol

What is Rebetol?

Rebetol, an antiviral drug, is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.Rebetol alone is ineffective. This medication must be taken in conjunction with interferon or peginterferon.Rebetol may be given to patients who are taking antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C.

Side effects of Rebetol

If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, or if there are any other symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.Ribavirin may cause anemia. This can cause fatal heart problems in rare cases. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain.

If you experience:

• You may have problems with your eyesight.
• Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea.
• New or worsening symptoms of cough, fever, stabbing pain in the chest, wheezing, and feeling short of breath;
• Severe depression is characterized by thoughts of suicide or harming others.
• Signs of Severe Anemia: pale or yellowed complexion, dark urine, confusion, or weakness
• Other signs of low blood cells include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Swollen gums. Skin sores. Easy bruising. Unusual bleeding.

Ribavirin can affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication, tell your doctor.

Rebetol may cause side effects such as:

• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Fever, chills, or shaking
• Low blood cell count, anemia
• Feeling tired or weak
• Headache, muscle pain
• Feeling anxious or irritable.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

Rebetol should not be used if you suffer from autoimmune hepatitis or severe kidney disease.If you experience chest pain, weakness, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately.Rebetol alone is ineffective. Rebetol must be taken with interferon alfa. This medicine should not be taken with didanosine.Ribavirin may cause birth defects or even death in an unborn child. Do not use this medication if your sexual partner or you are pregnant. Use two forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy during the time that either partner is taking Rebetol and for 6 months following treatment. If you become pregnant while the mother or father is taking Rebetol, tell your doctor immediately.In rare cases, ribavirin can cause fatal heart problems. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain.

Before you take this drug

Rebetol should not be taken if:

• A hemoglobin-related blood cell disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.
• Autoimmune hepatitis;
• Kidney disease ranging from mild to severe;
• If you also take didanosine
• If you are pregnant or if your sex partner is pregnant,

You should consult your doctor before taking Rebetol with other medications. Inform your doctor of all your medical conditions.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:

• Anemia is a disorder of the blood cells.
• High blood pressure or a heart attack.
• Breathing problems
• You may need to have an eye examination before taking ribavirin.
• Diabetes;
• A weak immune system or the human immunodeficiency ( HIV) virus;
• Mental illness; thoughts of harming yourself or others.
• A thyroid disorder
• Kidney disease
• An organ transplant;
• Other liver diseases other than hepatitis C
• Treatment for hepatitis C did not work.

Women and men who take Rebetol are advised to use birth control methods to avoid pregnancy. Ribavirin may cause birth defects, miscarriage, or even death in an unborn child if either the mother or father uses this medication.

• Rebetol is not recommended for women who are pregnant. Before taking this medication, you will need a negative pregnancy result. You'll also need to test for pregnancy during your treatment and six months after you finish.
• Do not take Rebetol if you are a male and your partner is pregnant.
• After the last dose, both men and women need to continue using birth control until at least six months after the last dose.
• Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medication. You may have your name listed on a registry for tracking the effects of ribavirin.

Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.Rebetol capsules should not be used by children under 3 years of age.

How to take Rebetol?

Rebetol alone is not effective. It must be combined with other medications in order to treat hepatitis C.Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Rebetol can be taken with food.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule. Swallow it whole. If you are having trouble swallowing, tell your doctor.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).Rebetol can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent this.Rebetol may cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. Rinse your mouth with water if you vomit after taking this medication to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Regular dental examinations are important while taking this medication.Medical tests will be required frequently.Rebetol capsules should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat.Store the liquid oral solution at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Take the missed dosage on the day that you recall it. If it's almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.Refill your prescription before you run out.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can worsen liver disease.This medicine does not stop you from spreading hepatitis. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to avoid spreading the disease.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Azathioprine;
• Medicines to treat hiv/aids

This list is incomplete. Ribavirin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.