RIBAVIRIN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Copegus, Ribapak

GENERIC NAME(S): RIBAVIRIN

Uses

For treatment of Hepatitis C infection of the liver
May also be used for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) treatment

How to use ribavirin

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor
Taken by mouth; With food; usually twice a day or as directed by your physician;
Drinking adequate amounts of water while taking this drug will decrease the risk of serious side effects

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.

Warnings

Not available.

Side Effects

Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
- Nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, trouble sleeping, cough, low appetite, weight loss or gain, dry skin, or changes in taste/hearing
Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
unusual tiredness/weakness, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, muscle/joint pain, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, stomach/lower back pain, black/bloody stools.
Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Precautions

Precautions

Inform your doctor
- Allergy to the medication or any allergies
- Medical History of blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, low hemoglobin, thalassemia), kidney disease, other liver problems (e.g., autoimmune hepatitis), heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, pancreas problems (e.g., pancreatitis), diabetes.
May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol intake
May increase risk for anemia in older adults
Should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Before breast-feeding, consult your physician.

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

Products that may interact with this medication include:
- antacids, didanosine, zidovudine.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and as soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage

Room temperature
Do not expose to light and moisture
Do not store in the bathroom
Keep all medications away from pets and children