What is Ribavirin? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Ribavirin

• Take this medicine with food.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or open it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• 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.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss taking your medicine for more than 24 hours, call your doctor.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Use all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment to treat hepatitis C infection. Ribavirin by itself will not treat hepatitis C.

• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• 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.

• Use all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment to treat hepatitis C infection. Ribavirin by itself will not treat hepatitis C.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Take this medicine with food.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss taking your medicine for more than 24 hours, call your doctor.

• Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or open it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ribavirin

Ribavirin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ribavirin?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ribavirin, if you or your partner is pregnant, or you have autoimmune hepatitis or a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia major.

Ribavirin warnings

• Vision changes

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Anemia, which can be severe and worsen heart problemsPancreatitisLung problemsVision changesTeeth and gum problemsSlowed growth in childrenDepression, unusual moods or behaviors, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B), anemia, diabetes, eye or vision problems, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, lung or breathing problems, thyroid problems, any infection, or an autoimmune disorder (including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or sarcoidosis). Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attack, depression, mental health problems, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Tell your doctor if you had an organ transplant.

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Female patients and female partners of male patients must use 2 forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. Female patients must have regular pregnancy tests during treatment.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness, pale skin

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Ribavirin interactions & what to avoid when taking Ribavirin

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Some medicines can affect how ribavirin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using abacavir, azathioprine, lamivudine, stavudine, or zidovudine.

• Do not use this medicine together with didanosine.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.