Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ribavirin is employed in conjunction with other antiviral medications like interferon or sofosbuvir to address chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to severe liver complications such as scarring or liver cancer. Ribavirin operates by diminishing the quantity of the hepatitis C virus within your body, potentially aiding in the recovery of your liver.
Uses and Dosage
Ribavirin is available in tablet, capsule, and oral solution (liquid) forms for oral administration. Typically, it is taken with food twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – for a duration of 24 to 48 weeks or possibly longer. Take ribavirin at consistent times every day.
Take ribavirin exactly as directed, avoiding both excessive and insufficient intake or a frequency higher than specified by your doctor.
When taking capsules, swallow them whole; do not split, chew, or crush.
For the liquid form, shake it well before each use to ensure even mixing of the medication. After measuring the liquid, be sure to wash the measuring spoon or cup.
Your doctor may adjust your dose or advise you to discontinue ribavirin if you experience side effects or if specific laboratory tests indicate that your condition hasn’t improved. Contact your doctor if you are troubled by side effects of ribavirin. Do not alter your dose or stop taking ribavirin unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- 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
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- 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
Caution
- Before taking ribavirin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, as this product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Before using this medication, share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have blood disorders, kidney disease, other liver problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, pancreas problems (such as pancreatitis), or diabetes.
- This drug may induce dizziness or blurred vision. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana can exacerbate these effects. Refrain from activities requiring alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you can do so safely.
- Older adults may be at a higher risk for anemia while using this drug.
- Ribavirin must not be used during pregnancy. Female patients or female partners of male patients are advised to take a pregnancy test before starting this medication. Pregnancy tests should continue during the use of this medication and for a specified period after discontinuation (9 months for female patients and 6 months for female partners of male patients).
- If you or your partner becomes pregnant, or if you suspect pregnancy, inform your doctor promptly.
- It is unclear if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Rebetol is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Rebetol:
- ribavirin:
FAQ
Is Rebetol an antibiotic?
No, Rebetol is an oral antiviral medication and is only used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. It can’t be used for other types of infections.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Rebetol?
It’s not known if alcohol interacts with the medication, but alcohol and chronic hepatitis C can both damage the liver, which your healthcare providers would like to avoid.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/ribavirin/what-is#faqs
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/20903slr029_rebetol_lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-21977-2279/rebetol-oral/ribavirin-capsule-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605018.html
- https://www.drugs.com/rebetol.html
