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Ribavirin Oral Tablet (RIBAVIRIN TABLET - ORAL)

For hepatitis.

Generic Name: Ribavirin

Instructions

Take the medicine with food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it with your next meal. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do NOT take two doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems and heart attack. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine and for some time after stopping it.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 9 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Women of childbearing age should have pregnancy tests while using this medicine and for 9 months after stopping to make sure they are not pregnant.

Women who are pregnant or in their childbearing years should not touch or handle this medicine. This medicine can be absorbed through the woman's skin and harm the unborn baby.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • coughing
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • dry skin
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • change in weight

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest or jaw pain
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • joint or muscle pain
  • severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • dark urine
  • yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.