ribavirin (oral) Health Article

How should I take ribavirin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ribavirin is not effective when used alone to treat hepatitis C. It must be used together with an interferon alfa product (such as Peg-Intron or Intron A) to treat chronic hepatitis C. Take this medicine with food.

Measure the liquid form of ribavirin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Ribavirin may decrease the number of red blood cells in your body. This is called anemia and it can be life-threatening in people who have heart disease or circulation problems. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver and thyroid function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness. These may be signs of serious anemia.

It is important to use ribavirin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to take this medication for many months.

Drink extra fluids while you are taking ribavirin to keep from getting dehydrated, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

Ribavirin can cause dry mouth, which could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If you vomit while taking ribavirin, rinse your mouth out with water to prevent damage to your teeth or gums. Be sure to have regular dental exams while you are taking this medication.

Store ribavirin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Store ribavirin liquid (oral solution) in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. If you have not taken the medication for longer than 24 hours, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, urinating less than usual or not at all, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or a general ill feeling.

What should I avoid while taking ribavirin?

Treatment with ribavirin does not prevent spread of the hepatitis C virus to other people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent passing the disease to another person.

Do not drink alcohol while taking ribavirin. Alcohol can increase the risk of damage to your liver. Ribavirin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.