Common use

Rebetol is an antiviral medication that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C. Rebetol is not effective when used alone. This medicine must be used in combination with interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa. Rebetol is sometimes given to people taking other antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C.

Dosage and direction

Rebetol is not effective when used alone and must be used in combination with other medications to treat hepatitis C.
Use the medicine exactly as directed. Take Rebetol with food. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Drink extra fluids while you are taking Rebetol to keep from getting dehydrated.

Precautions

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: a blood cell disorder such as anemia (low red blood cells); heart problems, high blood pressure, or heart attack; breathing problems; vision problems (you may need an eye exam before taking ribavirin); diabetes; human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS) or a weak immune system; depression, mental illness, thoughts of hurting yourself or others; a thyroid disorder; kidney disease; an organ transplant; liver problems other than hepatitis C; or treatment for hepatitis C that did not work well.
If you are a woman, do not take Rebetol if you are pregnant. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking this medicine. If you are a man, do not take Rebetol if your sex partner is pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Contraindications

You should not take Rebetol if you are allergic to ribavirin, or if you have: a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia; autoimmune hepatitis; moderate to severe kidney disease; if you are also taking didanosine; or if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant.

Possible side effect

Common Rebetol side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; fever, chills or shaking; low blood cell counts, anemia; feeling weak or tired; headache, muscle pain; or mood changes, feeling anxious or irritable.
Call your doctor at once if you have: problems with your vision; severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; new or worsening cough, fever, stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath; severe depression, thoughts about suicide, or thoughts about hurting someone else; signs of serious anemia - pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness; or other signs of low blood cell counts - fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed.

Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: azathioprine; or medicines to treat HIV or AIDS.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store Rebetol capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep away from children.