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Ribavirin |
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What is Ribavirin and why is it prescribed? In combination with the interferon drugs Intron A or PEG-Intron, Ribavirin is prescribed to treat chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin is always used with one of the other drugs. By itself, Ribavirin is ineffective against hepatitis C. Extreme care should be taken to avoid pregnancy when a woman or her partner is taking Ribavirin. Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Ribavirin. Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking Ribavirin, especially when you first begin taking this medication. You may take Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin at room temperature. Are there any Ribavirin side effects? Ribavirin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin? If Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin? Within two weeks of starting treatment with Ribavirin, 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. Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin. You may have to discontinue therapy if you develop heart-related problems or if your heart condition gets worse. Treatment with Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin. 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 Ribavirin is often decreased for these individuals. The safety and effectiveness of Ribavirin 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 Ribavirin. The safety and efficacy of Ribavirin have not been established in children. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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