Ribapak

What is Ribapak?

Ribapak, an antiviral drug, is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.ribapak alone is ineffective. Ribapak is only effective when used with peginterferon or interferon.ribapak can be given to patients taking other antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis C.ribapak can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Ribapak

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.ribapak may cause anemia. This can cause fatal heart problems in rare cases. Should you experience chest pain, seek immediate medical assistance immediately.

Ribapak can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• You may have problems with your eyesight.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• New or worsening cough; fever; wheezing; feeling short of breath.
• Severe depression or thoughts of suicide
• Signs of severe anemia include pale or yellowing skin, dark urine, confusion, or weakness.
• Other signs of low cell counts include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Swollen gums are also a sign.

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

Ribapak can cause the following side effects:

• 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

Ribapak should not be used if the patient has autoimmune liver disease, severe to moderate kidney disease, hemoglobin cell disorder, or if they are taking Didanosine.ribapak may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if your sexual partner has become pregnant. Men and women must use an effective contraceptive during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose.ribapak alone is ineffective and must be combined with interferon.ribapak may cause heart problems that are fatal in rare instances. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain.

Before you take this drug

Ribapak should not be taken if:

• A disorder of hemoglobin-containing blood cells, 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 if you are taking ribapak with other medications. Inform your doctor of all medical conditions.Inform your physician of any of the following issues:

• Anemia is a disorder of the blood cells.
• Heart attack or heart problems?
• Breathing problems
• You may need to have an eye examination before taking ribapak.
• Diabetes;
• A weak immune system or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Depression, mental illness, and 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 ribapak are advised to use birth control methods to avoid pregnancy. The medicine may cause birth defects, miscarriage, or even death in an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.

• Women should not take ribapak while pregnant. Before taking this medication, you will need a negative pregnancy result. You will need to test for pregnancy during the treatment and six months after you have finished.
• Do not take ribapak if you are a male and your partner is pregnant.
• After the last dose, both men and women need to continue using birth control for at least six months.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking ribapak. You may have your name listed on a registry for tracking the effects of ribapak.

Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.ribapak has not been approved for anyone under the age of 3 years. This medicine tablet is not recommended for anyone under the age of 5.

How to take Ribapak?

Ribapak does not work alone. It must be taken in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of hepatitis C.Read and follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication.Follow the directions on the label.ribapak can be eaten with any food.Do not open, crush, chew or break a capsule - swallow it whole as directed. If there is difficulty swallowing, please inform your healthcare provider as soon as possible.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon) to measure liquid medicine.ribapak can cause dehydration. Consume plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.ribapak may cause a 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. While taking this medication, you should have regular dental exams.Medical tests will be required frequently.Keep ribapak tablets and capsules away from moisture, heat, and light.Store ribapak oral solution (liquid) at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Take the missed dosage on the day that you rememberif it is almost time for your next dose, forgoing any missed ones would only delay taking it and may actually increase side effects. 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.ribapak 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 all of your other medications, including:

• Azathioprine;
• Medicines to treat HIV/AIDS

This list is incomplete. Ribapak may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.