Interferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin Combination Pack



Rebetron®







Interferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin Combination Pack

(in ter FEER on AL fa too bee & rye ba VYE rin com bi NAY shun pak)

U.S. Brand Names
Rebetron®
Pharmacologic Category
Antiviral Agent; Interferon
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Use two effective forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. This medicine can cause a dangerous drop in your red blood cell count. Tell healthcare provider if you have heart or lung problems. This medicine may cause or worsen mental health problems.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to interferon alfa-2b, ribavirin, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Autoimmune disease, anemia, poor kidney function, or severe psychiatric disease.
  • If you have had a transplant.
  • If you are of childbearing age, but are not using two forms of birth control or if you are planning to become pregnant during your treatment or within 6 months after treatment has ended.
  • If you are a male patient with a sexual partner who is pregnant or plans on becoming pregnant at any time while you are being treated or within 6 months after your treatment has ended.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This product is a combination of two drugs, ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b. They are used together to treat certain patients with hepatitis C infections.
How does it work?
  • Ribavirin works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
  • Interferon alfa-2b helps the body's immune system fight viral infections.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Ribavirin:
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Interferon alfa-2b:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime to help with flu-like symptoms.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Ribavirin:
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Interferon alfa-2b:
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • If you miss 3 days of medicine, call healthcare provider for instructions.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have been unsuccessfully treated for hepatitis C infection before with this medicine, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have cancer, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have drug or alcohol addiction, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have hepatitis B or HIV disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Alcohol can worsen liver disease.
  • If you have lung disease, you may be more sensitive to this medicine.
  • Use two forms of birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after treatment ends.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. Use two forms of birth control that you can trust.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Anemia.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Hair thinning.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are a female of childbearing age, take a monthly pregnancy test.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Not hungry.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Dark, tarry-black stool.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine or within 6 months after treatment ends.
  • For males, if your female partner becomes pregnant while you are being treated or within 6 months after treatment ends.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store ribavirin in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
  • Store interferon in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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