RIBAVIRIN AND INTERFERON ALFA-2B, RECOMBINANT (Systemic)
Brand Names : Rebetron
Precautions While Using This MedicineIt is very important that your doctor check your progress at
regular visits
to make sure that this medicine is working properly
and to check for unwanted effects.
This medicine may cause some people to become unusually tired or dizzy,
or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know
how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything
else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or if you are not alert.
This medicine may make you feel very sad, depressed or very angry. Call your doctor if you feel you cannot cope or you feel like
you want to hurt yourself or someone else.
Interferon alfa-2b commonly causes a flu-like reaction, with aching muscles,
fever and chills, and headache. To prevent problems from your temperature
going too high, your doctor may ask you to take medicine for pain and fever
such as acetaminophen (e.g., Anacin 3, Tylenol) before each dose of interferon
alfa-2b. You may also need to take it after a dose to bring your temperature
down. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about
taking your temperature, and how much and when to take the medicine such as
acetaminophen
.
Women of childbearing potential should use two reliable forms of effective
contraception.
Alpha interferon can lower the number of white blood cells in your blood
temporarily, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower
the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If
this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your
blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:
-
If you can, avoid being close to people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately
if you think you are getting an infection
or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain,
or have painful or difficult urination.
-
Check with your doctor immediately
if
you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in
urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
-
Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick.
Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your
teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work
done
-
Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have
just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
-
Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such
as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
-
Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury
could occur.
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