Rebetol

Pronounced: REB-eh-tol
Generic name: Ribavirin

Why is Rebetol prescribed?

In combination with the interferon drugs Intron A or PEG-Intron, Rebetol is prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis C. Rebetol is always used with one of the other drugs. By itself, it is ineffective against hepatitis C.

Most important fact about Rebetol

Extreme care should be taken to avoid pregnancy when a woman or her partner is taking Rebetol. The drug poses a significant risk of serious harm to developing infants, even at lower doses, and it can also cause abnormalities in a man's sperm. The doctor will want to see a negative pregnancy report immediately before starting Rebetol therapy; and pregnancy tests should be done every month during therapy and for six months after it stops. Use at least two forms of birth control during treatment and for six months afterwards.

How should you take Rebetol?

Rebetol is available in capsule and oral solution forms. Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking Rebetol, especially when you first begin taking this medication. Rebetol may be taken with or without food when used in combination therapy with Intron A, but whichever way you choose, do it consistently. When Rebetol is used in combination therapy with PEG-Intron, the manufacturer recommends taking the dose with food.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Rebetol.

• More common side effects may include:
  Anemia, blood disorder, depression, fatigue, fever, hair loss, headache, insomnia, irritability, joint or muscle pain, nausea, shortness of breath, weight loss

Why should Rebetol not be prescribed?

Do not take Rebetol if:

You are pregnant or your partner is pregnant
You have autoimmune hepatitis (Rebetol can make this type of hepatitis worse.)
You have certain blood disorders, such as thalassemia major or sickle-cell anemia
You have severe or unstable heart disease
You've ever had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient ribavirin