Generic Name: Ribavirin (oral) (rye ba VYE rin)
Typical Brand Names: Copegus, Rebetol.
What Is It Used For?
The exact way that ribavirin works is still not known. But, Ribavirin
is basically used in combination with an interferon alfa product
to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients suffering from liver
disease who have not previously been treated with alfa interferon
or who have relapsed following alfa interferon therapy. It is
also used for many other purposes other than those listed in medication
guides.
How Is It Used?
Ribavirin comes in the forms of tablets and capsules, which should
be taken by mouth (oral) with a glassful of water. Ensure that
you get a correct dose, measure the ribavirin solution with a
dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon.
Rebetol medication is prescribed to be taken twice a day, in the
morning and in the evening. However it might be consumed with
or without food. Adequate fluid intakes are must to prevent dehydration
during treatment with ribavirin.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Ribavirin are unlikely to occur; however
chest pain; difficulty in breathing ; unusual bleeding; unusual
tiredness or weakness; belching; discouragement; dizziness; feeling
unusually cold; heartburn; indigestion ; itching skin; lack of
appetite; lack or loss of strength ; or insomnia. If these effects
persist or worsen or you notice some other effects, notify your
doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects like: Change in taste; cough; fever;
gastrointestinal effects; headache; joint pain; mental depression;
pain or tenderness around eyes; rash; swollen joints; vomiting,
Itching, redness, or swelling of eyes; are more likely to occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Ribavirin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. So, it is known
that Ribavirin will be harmful to an unborn baby or after its
birth. Do not take Ribavirin without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is also not known whether Ribavirin passes into breast milk
and may affect a nursing infant. So, do not take Ribavirin without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The safety and effectiveness of Rebetol have not been established
for adults older than 65 years of age in the treatment of the
influenza virus. A lower dose or special monitoring may be required.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
No drugs have yet been reported to interact appreciably with ribavirin.
Talk to your doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines with ribavirin.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Ribavirin tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature
and kept away from moisture and heat, while the ribavirin oral
solution can be stored at room temperature, away heat and light,
or in the refrigerator.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Make sure that ribavirin is not a substitute for a flu vaccination.
You should therefore continue receiving an annual flu vaccination.
It is also not known whether this medicine is excreted in human
milk. You should therefore, use this drug only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the breast-fed infant.
So avoid ribavirin without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
