Ribavirin



Copegus®; Rebetol®; Ribasphere™; Virazole®







Ribavirin

(rye ba VYE rin)

U.S. Brand Names
Copegus®; Rebetol®; Ribasphere™; Virazole®
Canadian Brand Names
Virazole®
Pharmacologic Category
Antiviral Agent
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. You should not take this medicine alone to treat hepatitis C infection.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to 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 hepatitis, poor kidney function, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia major.
  • If you are taking ribavirin alone for treatment of hepatitis C infection.
  • 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 medicine is used to treat hepatitis C infection.
  • This medicine is used to treat respiratory syncytial virus.
How does it work?
  • Ribavirin works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • This medicine must be used with interferon alfa for treatment of hepatitis C.
  • Oral:
  • Take capsule or solution with or without food but be consistent. Always take with food or always take on an empty stomach.
  • When capsules are used in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b, take with food.
  • Take tablet with food.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Inhalation:
  • You will inhale this medicine through your nose.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • 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.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have hepatitis B or HIV disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have had an organ transplant, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have thyroid disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have lung disease, you may be more sensitive to this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use two forms of birth control that you can trust while using 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?
  • 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.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Not hungry.
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.
  • 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.
  • Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • 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 capsules and solution in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store powder and tablets at room temperature.
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.
Brand Names: