Rebetol Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Ribavirin

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication. The exact way that ribavirin works is unknown. It is an antiviral agent used to treat hepatitis C in combination with interferon alfa. It is not for the treatment of simple viral infections or other types of hepatitis infections.

Rebetol Dosage

• The dosage depends on your body weight. The usual dose for individuals weighing 165 pounds or less is 400 milligrams in the morning and 600 milligrams in the evening.
• For children who weigh less than 134 pounds, the doctor will adjust the dose accordingly based on the child's weight.
• For Adults 18 Years of Age and Older, the usual dose is 800 milligrams divided into 2 doses.

Uses of Rebetol

• Ribavirin is used in combination with an interferon alfa product to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease who have not previously been treated with alfa interferon or who have relapsed following alfa interferon therapy.
• Ribavirin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Side Effects of Rebetol

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Rebetol. Side effects may include:

• Anemia
• blood disorder
• depression
• fatigue
• fever
• hair loss
• headache
• insomnia
• irritability
• joint or muscle pain
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• weight loss

Warnings and precautions before taking Rebetol:

• If you are taking Rebetol medicine, then it may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• The safety and effectiveness of Rebetol treatment have not been established for individuals with organ transplants, uncontrolled liver disease, and hepatitis B or HIV infections. Your doctor will have your liver function tested before you begin taking Rebetol.
• The risk of side effects is greater for individuals with poor kidney function. If you have this problem, your doctor will monitor you closely and adjust your dosage if necessary. Since many older adults have impaired kidney, liver, and heart function, the dosage of Rebetol is often decreased for these individuals.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Rebetol, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Rebetol medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rebetol with the other drugs.

Overdose

When you are taking Rebetol, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a ribavirin overdose are not known.