interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin Health Article

Generic name(s):

interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin

Brand name(s):

interferon alfa-2b-ribavirin, Rebetron

What is the most important information I should know about interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin?

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin should not be used by women who are pregnant or by male partners of pregnant women. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during treatment with interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin and for 6 months following the completion of treatment in women taking this medication and women partners of men being treated with this medication. Women who could become pregnant during treatment and men must use two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and during the 6-month period following treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin may cause anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can be dangerous, especially for patients who already have heart or circulatory problems. Your doctor will want to check your red blood cell count before starting and periodically during treatment. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you have or have ever had any heart or circulatory problems.

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you develop symptoms of depression or are contemplating suicide; become unusually irritable, anxious (nervous), or aggressive; or experience other mood or behavior changes. In some cases, interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin has caused serious mood or behavioral problems.

What are interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin?

Interferon alfa-2b is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system.

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication. The exact way that it works is unknown.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin are used together to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease who have not previously been treated with alfa interferon or who have relapsed following alfa interferon therapy.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin?

Do not use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin without first talking to your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to ribavirin or an alfa interferon in the past or if you are allergic to E. coli derived products.

Before taking interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, tell your doctor if you have

• blood problems such as anemia, thalassemia, sickle-cell anemia, and others;

• bone marrow suppression (low red or white blood cells or platelets);

• high blood pressure, history of a heart attack, or other heart problems;

• a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or another mental illness;

• had an organ transplant and are taking medicine that keeps your body from rejecting the transplanted organ;

• lung or breathing problems;

• kidney problems;
• liver problems (except hepatitis C infection);

• diabetes;

• thyroid problems;

• autoimmune disorder;

• psoriasis;

• an active infection;

• eye problems;

• a seizure disorder; or

• pancreatitis.

You may not be able to take interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin should not be used by women who are pregnant or by male partners of pregnant women. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during treatment with interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin and for 6 months following the completion of treatment in women taking this medication and women partners of men being treated with this medication. Women who could become pregnant during treatment and men must use two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and during the 6-month period following treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs. It is not known whether interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.