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Rebetol |
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What is Rebetol and why is it prescribed? In combination with the interferon drugs Intron A or PEG-Intron, Rebetol is prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis C. Rebetol is always used with one of the other drugs. By itself, it is ineffective against hepatitis C. Extreme care should be taken to avoid pregnancy when a woman or her partner is taking Rebetol. The drug poses a significant risk of serious harm to developing infants, even at lower doses, and it can also cause abnormalities in a man's sperm. The doctor will want to see a negative pregnancy report immediately before starting Rebetol therapy, and pregnancy tests should be done every month during therapy and for six months after it stops. Use at least two forms of birth control during treatment and for six months afterwards. How should you take Rebetol? Follow your doctors directions for taking Rebetol. Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking Rebetol, especially when you first begin taking this medication. You may take Rebetol with or without food, but whichever way you choose, do it consistently. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Rebetol at room temperature. Are there any Rebetol side effects? Rebetol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Rebetol side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal taste, agitation, anemia, anxiety, appetite loss, blood disorders, blurred vision, bone marrow problems, chest pain, chills, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughing, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, emotional instability, enlarged liver, fatigue, feeling of unwellness, fever, flu-like symptoms, flushing, hair loss, headache, hearing problems, immune disorders and infections, impaired concentration, indigestion, injection site inflammation, insomnia, irritability, itching, joint pain, menstrual disorder, muscle pain, nausea, nervousness, nasal inflammation, pancreas and lung disorders, rash, shortness of breath, sinus inflammation, sore throat, suicidal thoughts, sweating, thyroid problems, vertigo, viral or fungal infection, vomiting, weakness, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Rebetol? If Rebetol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Are there any special warnings about Rebetol? Within two weeks of starting treatment with Rebetol, about one patient in 10 develops a severe form of anemia. Your doctor will order blood tests periodically to check for this condition. Severe anemia is a serious condition that can lead to a potentially fatal heart attack. Rebetol should be used with caution if you have a heart condition. Your doctor will perform heart tests such as an ECG before you begin treatment and will monitor your heart closely while you are taking Rebetol. You may have to discontinue therapy if you develop heart-related problems or if your heart condition gets worse. Treatment with Rebetol and Intron A or PEG-Intron can have other serious side effects, including depression and suicidal thoughts, changes in bone marrow, pancreas and lung disorders, diabetes, and immune and infectious disorders. If you develop symptoms of these conditions, your doctor may have to discontinue treatment with 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. 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 safety and efficacy of Rebetol have not been established in children. |
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