What is Ribavirin?
Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin alone is ineffective. Ribavirin is only effective when used with peginterferon or interferon.Ribavirin can be given to patients taking other antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis C.Ribavirin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ribavirin
Symptoms of allergic reaction should include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of face, lips or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately in these instances. Ribavirin may cause anemia. This can cause fatal heart problems in rare cases. Seek emergency medical care if you experience chest pain.
Ribavirin may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may have problems with your eyesight.
- Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea.
- Wheezing or feeling short of breath are symptoms that may be new or worsening.
- Severe depression or thoughts of suicide
- Signs of severe anemia include pale or yellowed skin or urine, confusion, or weakness.
- Other signs of low cell counts include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. Swollen gums are also a sign.
Ribavirin can affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking this medication, tell your doctor.
Ribavirin 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. Reaching out to the FDA with any side effect reports can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Epclusa, Harvoni, Mavyret, Arexvy, Sofosbuvir/Velapasvir, Abrysvo, and Beyfortus
Warnings
If you are suffering from autoimmune hepatitis, have a moderate-to-severe kidney disorder, a hemoglobin cell disorder, or take Didanosine, you should avoid using ribavirin.Ribavirin may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking it. Do not use it if pregnant or if your sex partner's pregnant. Men and women must use an effective contraceptive during and after taking ribavirin.Ribavirin alone is ineffective and should be combined with interferon.Rarely, Ribavirin may lead to deadly heart conditions; seek emergency medical attention immediately if chest pain occurs.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Ribavirin or Ribafeverinase, seek medical assistance immediately.
- 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 before taking ribavirin with other medications. Inform your doctor of all your medical conditions.
Discuss any of the following with your physician:
- Anemia is a disorder of the blood cells.
- Heart attack or high blood pressure.
- Breathing problems
- You may need to have an eye examination before taking ribavirin.
- 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.
Ribavirin is harmful to unborn babies and can cause birth defects or miscarriages.
- Do not take ribavirin while pregnant if you're a woman. Before taking ribavirin, 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 ribavirin 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 ribavirin.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while the mother or father is taking ribavirin. 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 consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Ribavirin tablets are not recommended for anyone under the age of 3 years. Ribavirin tablets are not recommended for anyone younger than five years of age.
How to take Ribavirin?
Ribavirin alone is not effective. It must be combined with other medications in order to treat hepatitis C.Read all instructions or guides that accompany your medication and adhere to them exactly. Follow the directions on the label.Take ribavirin along with your meal.Do not open, crush, chew or break the capsule; swallow it whole. If you experience difficulty, inform your physician. Measuring liquid medicine is important.Use either the provided dosing device or another dose-measuring tool (not spoon). Avoid becoming dehydrated while taking ribavirin by drinking extra fluids.Ribavirin may cause a dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum diseases. Rinse your mouth with water if you vomit after taking ribavirin to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. While taking this medication, you should have regular dental examinations. Medical tests will be required frequently.Store the ribavirin tablet and capsule away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature. Store ribavirin oral solution at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Take the missed dosage on the day that you remember.If it is almost time for your next dose, skipping this missed one would not be wise. 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.Ribavirin 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
Inform your physician of all medications taken, including:
- Azathioprine;
- Medicines to treat HIV/AIDS
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs, may also affect ribavirin. This list does not include all drug interactions.
