Rebetol (Ribavirin Oral Solution)

• If you have an allergy to ribavirin or any other part of Rebetol.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Autoimmune hepatitis, worsening liver function, kidney disease, sickle cell anemia, or thalassemia major.
• If you have ever had very bad heart problems or heart problems that are not controlled.
• If you are of childbearing age, but are not using 2 kinds of birth control or if you are planning to get pregnant during your care or within 6 months after care has ended.
• If you are taking didanosine.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Rebetol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may need to have an ECG checked before starting Rebetol (ribavirin oral solution) and while taking it. Talk with your doctor.
• Have an eye exam as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have your lung function checked as you have been told by your doctor. Talk with your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor. This medicine may raise blood sugar.
• If you have had an organ transplant, talk with your doctor.
• This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors. Talk with your doctor.
• Watch for gout attacks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may make liver disease worse.
• Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist often.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Very bad and sometimes deadly lung problems have happened with this medicine. Call your doctor right away if you have lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
• This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
• If giving to your child, the dose of Rebetol may need to be changed as your child's weight changes. Have your child's weight checked often. Talk with the doctor before changing your child's dose.
• If you are a woman of childbearing age, take a pregnancy test each month while you take this medicine and for 6 months after care ends.
• If you are a man with a female sex partner who may get pregnant, she will need a pregnancy test each month during your care and for 6 months after you stop Rebetol.
• If you have sex without using 2 kinds of birth control that you can trust, if you think you may be pregnant, or if you miss your period, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Take with food.
• Take Rebetol at the same time of day.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
• Do not take this medicine for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• This medicine may be used along with interferon or peginterferon. If you are using one of these drugs, read the patient fact sheet that comes with it.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Rebetol. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this medicine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

• Store liquid (solution) at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.