Ribavirin Solution

Ribavirin Solution is used for:

Treating chronic hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with interferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ribavirin Solution is an antiviral medicine. Exactly how it works to treat hepatitis C is not known.

Do NOT use Ribavirin Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ribavirin Solution or have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin) to ribavirin or any other ingredient in Ribavirin Solution
• you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while you take Ribavirin Solution or within 6 months after you stop taking it
• you are a man with a female sexual partner who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant while you take Ribavirin Solution or within 6 months after you stop taking it
• you have certain blood disorders (eg, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia major), a history of serious or uncontrolled heart problems, severe kidney problems, or inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
• you have autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your own body instead of a virus)
• you are taking didanosine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ribavirin Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Ribavirin Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of cancer, heart problems or a heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia, spherocytosis), stomach or bowel bleeding, thyroid problems, HIV infection or other immune system problems, or eye or vision problems
• if you have liver problems other than hepatitis C infection (eg, hepatitis B infection), cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function
• if you have a history of mood or mental disorders (eg, depression), thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior
• if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work
• if you had an organ transplant
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ribavirin Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Didanosine or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, lamivudine), other antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection, or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because serious side effects, including risk of infection, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, bone marrow suppression, lactic acidosis, and severe or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Ribavirin Solution
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or certain NRTIs (eg, lamivudine, stavudine, zidovudine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ribavirin Solution

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ribavirin Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ribavirin Solution:

Use Ribavirin Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Ribavirin Solution comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Ribavirin Solution refilled.
• Take Ribavirin Solution by mouth with food.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Ribavirin Solution is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Take Ribavirin Solution on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Ribavirin Solution at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Ribavirin Solution even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Ribavirin Solution, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ribavirin Solution.

Important safety information:

• Ribavirin Solution may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ribavirin Solution with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, because it could worsen liver disease.
• At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment by men and women who take Ribavirin Solution and for 6 months after Ribavirin Solution is stopped. Men who take Ribavirin Solution should use a condom with spermicide as 1 of the 2 forms of birth control.
• Women of childbearing potential who either take Ribavirin Solution or are sexual partners of men who take Ribavirin Solution must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Ribavirin Solution is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Ribavirin Solution is stopped.
• Patients who take Ribavirin Solution may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Ribavirin Solution closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Ribavirin Solution may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Ribavirin Solution may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of teeth and gum problems. Proper dental care is important while you are taking Ribavirin Solution. Brush and floss your teeth carefully at least twice a day and visit the dentist regularly.
• If vomiting occurs while you are taking Ribavirin Solution, be sure to rinse your mouth and clean your teeth afterwards.
• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests, including pregnancy; complete blood cell counts; hemoglobin or hematocrit levels; heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function; and eye exams, may be performed while you use Ribavirin Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Ribavirin Solution with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially anemia.
• Ribavirin Solution may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Ribavirin Solution.
• Use Ribavirin Solution with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Ribavirin Solution if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Ribavirin Solution is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ribavirin Solution.

Possible side effects of Ribavirin Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; sinus problems; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark, tarry, or bloody stools; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; joint pain; mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, aggression, anger, anxiety, decreased concentration, depression, irritability, nervousness); menstrual problems; muscle pain or weakness; numbness of an arm or leg; pale stools; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe headache; severe or persistent diarrhea; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe tiredness, weakness, or fatigue; weight loss; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Ribavirin side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Store Ribavirin Solution at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), or in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ribavirin Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ribavirin Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ribavirin Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ribavirin Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.