Ribavirin (By Mouth)

Ribavirin (rye-ba-VYE-rin)

Treats hepatitis C.

Brand Name(s):

Rebetol, Rebetron 600, Rebetron 1200, Rebetron 1000, Copegus
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ribavirin. You should not use this medicine if you have an autoimmune type of hepatitis, or if you are pregnant or your female sexual partner is pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet, Solution

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Ribavirin is used with other medicines to treat hepatitis C infection. Use all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. However, you should take it the same way every time.
• Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medicine.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the capsules and tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using zidovudine (Retrovir®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• To make sure you are not pregnant, your doctor will want you to have a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine and again every month during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends.
• Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, a blood disorder, hepatitis B, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, Gilbert's syndrome, or if you have had an organ transplant.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine will not keep you from giving hepatitis C to other people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent the spread of this infection.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Chest pain
• Depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual weakness or tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash or itching
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite
• Shivering or trembling
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.