Rebetol (Ribavirin)

Rebetol (Ribavirin) Medication Information:

What is Rebetol (Ribavirin)?

Rebetol (ribavirin) 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.

What is Rebetol (Ribavirin) used for?

Ribavirin is an antiviral drug that is used to treat RSV, hepatitis C, and various viral hemorrhagic fevers in patients 3 years of age and older with compensated liver disease.

How does Rebetol work?

Ribavirin is a purine nucleoside analog that works against the hepatitis C virus It suppresses the host enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), resulting in depleted pools of guanosine triphosphate which is, an important substrate for viral RNA synthesis. It also reduces the replication of HCV.

Direction:

How to take Rebetol (Ribavirin)?

It is an oral tablet that is taken by mouth with or without food. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule; instead, swallow it whole. The daily dose is suggested as of fixed dosing of 800mg per day in two divided doses. When the dosage is based on the weight it can vary up to 1400mg per day.

What is the different dosage available?

Ribavirin is available as an oral tablet of 200mg, 400mg, 500mg, and 600mg.

What is the recommended dosage?

The recommended dose of Rebetol when used in combination with PegIntron is 800mg to 1,400mg based on patient body weight in two divided doses

What is the maximum dosage?

The maximum dosage for the medicine in adults is 1400mg which is used as an antiretroviral agent. Dosage is adjusted based on the weight and health conditions of an individual.

What if you forget to give a dose of Rebetol?

As soon as you recollect, take the missed dose. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose and return to your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a double dose.

Rebetol Precautions:

What should you know about Rebetol (Ribavirin) before you start taking it?

You should not take Rebetol if you have autoimmune hepatitis, severe kidney illness, or a hemoglobin blood cell problem. When used alone, Rebetol is ineffective. It should be taken in combination with an interferon alfa medication. It should not be taken with didanosine. In an unborn infant, ribavirin can cause birth abnormalities or death. If you are pregnant, do not use this medication.

Rebetol Side Effects:

What are the side effects of Rebetol (Ribavirin)?

Rebetol can cause some common side effects like fatigue, nausea, rash, low blood count, fever, chills, and itching. It can even cause anemia in a few cases. If you have signs of an allergic reaction to Rebetol or witness symptoms of difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat consult your doctor immediately.

Rebetol Drug Interactions:

Does this medication interact with other drugs, foods, or alcohol?

Rebetol should not be co-administered with any Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are drugs that are used to treat HIV and AIDS, azathioprine and didanosine. Many medicines interact with Rebetol, and some drugs should never be taken together as they can alter the working mechanism of each medicine. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

Storage:

How should this medication be stored?

Rebetol should be stored at room temperature (15ºC-30ºC)away from light, heat, moisture, and reach of the children.

Other Important Information:

• Make sure no one else uses this medication without any prescription.
• The chances of treatment failure grow when dosages are skipped. Make sure you take all of your medications at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including any allergies pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can make your liver problems worse.
• To monitor and check for side effects, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as lung function, and blood counts) should be performed regularly.

FAQs:

Is it possible to take Rebetol (Ribavirin)alone?

It is not suggested to administer Rebetol Alone. It is co-administer with any other protease inhibitor.

Is Rebetol safe in pregnancy?

Rebetol has many side effects which can last for more than six months. Therefore it is not recommended to get pregnant while on Rebetol.

When you take Ribavirin, how long does it last in your system?

When Ribavirin's side effects develop, they can remain longer than any other medications. It can last up to six months in your body's tissues after you stop taking it.

Can alcohol be taken with Rebetol (Ribavirin)?

Drinking alcohol while using Rebetol is not recommended because it may worsen liver problems.