Ribasure

Ribasure (Ribavirin) is used with an interferon medication in the treatment hepatitis C. It is used for people who have not been treated with an interferon before. Ribavirin is what is a nucleoside analogue. Nucleoside analogues work by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body. It is not known if treatment that includes ribavirin and another medication cures hepatitis C infection, prevents liver damage that may be caused by hepatitis C, or prevents the spread of hepatitis C to other people.

Ribavirin comes as a tablet, a capsule and an oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day, in the morning and the evening, for 24 to 48 weeks or longer. Take ribavirin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ribavirin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Be sure to wash the measuring spoon or cup after use each time you measure the liquid.

Your doctor may decrease your dose or tell you to stop taking ribavirin if you develop side effects of the medication or if certain laboratory tests show that your condition has not improved. Call your doctor if you are bothered by side effects of ribavirin. Do not decrease your dose or stop taking ribavirin unless your doctor tells you that you should.

If you miss a dose and remember the missed dose that same day, take the medication right away. However, if you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, call your doctor to find out what to do. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Ribavirin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• cough
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• changes in ability to taste food
• dry mouth
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• memory loss
• rash
• dry, irritated, or itchy skin
• sweating
• painful or irregular menstruation (period)
• muscle or bone pain
• hair loss

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing or breathing
• pain in the stomach or lower back
• bloody diarrhea
• bright red blood in stools
• black, tarry stools
• stomach bloating
• confusion
• dark-colored urine
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• vision changes
• fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• depression
• thinking about hurting or killing yourself
• mood changes
• excessive worry
• irritability
• starting to use street drugs or alcohol again if you used these substances in the past
• intolerance to cold

Ribavirin may slow growth and weight gain in children. Talk to your child`s doctor about the risks of giving Ribasure (Ribavirin) to your child.

Ribavirin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Ribasure (Ribavirin).

Before taking ribavirin,

You should know that ribavirin may make you drowsy, dizzy, or confused. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Ribasure (Ribavirin) affects you.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking ribavirin. Alcohol can make your liver disease worse.

You should know that your mouth may be very dry when you take Ribasure (Ribavirin), which can lead to problems with your teeth and gums. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and have regular dental exams. If vomiting occurs, rinse your mouth out thoroughly.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while you are taking ribavirin.