Information about Ribavirin (Generic Rebetol) :


Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine used for treatment of hepatitis C infection. It is usually prescribed in combination with interferon. The exact mechanism of Ribavirin's action is unknown.
It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Ribavirin in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are pregnant; your female sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant within the next 6 months; you have certain blood disorders (eg, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia major), a history of serious heart problems, severe kidney problems, or inflammation of your pancreas (acute pancreatitis); you are also using interferon and have autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your own body instead of a virus) or severely decreased liver function; you are taking didanosine.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Ribavirin:
Before using Ribavirin you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age; you have a history of cancer, heart problems or heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, or HIV infection; you have liver problems (other than hepatitis C infection) such as hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function; you have a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior; you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work; you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Be aware that Ribavirin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: didanosine or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, lamivudine), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), or other antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection because serious side effects, including risk of infection, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, lactic acidosis, and severe or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Ribavirin; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the effectiveness of Ribavirin may be decreased.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ribavirin:
Use this medicine as administered by your physician. Ribavirin should be taken with food at the same time each day. It is recommended to drink extra fluids while you are taking this drug.

Do not stop taking Ribavirin even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

In case you miss a dose of Ribavirin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Ribavirin usage may lead to dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Try to avoid such activities.

If you have liver disease it may be worsened by drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor.

Lab tests, including pregnancy tests; blood counts; hemoglobin levels; and heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function tests, may be performed while you are using Ribavirin. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

It is recommended to use at least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control during course of treatment and for 6 months after treatment with Ribavirin is stopped.

Women of childbearing potential who either take Ribavirin or are sexual partners of men who take Ribavirin must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Ribavirin is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Ribavirin is stopped.

Use Ribavirin with caution in CHILDREN as they may be more sensitive to its effects.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to effects of Ribavirin. Use Ribavirin with caution in this group.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
You should not use Ribavirin in case you are pregnant. In case you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor immediately. It is not clear whether Ribavirin passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Ribavirin.

Possible side effects of Ribavirin:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fever, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingling of arms or legs; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; severe headache; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; sinus problems; thoughts of suicide; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual mental or mood changes; unusual or severe tiredness and fatigue; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; yellowing of eyes or skin.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.