Warnings & Recalls for Rebetol
Risks of Taking Rebetol
In
November of 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved
safety labeling changes to include information about risks for the following:
- possibility of slower growth rate
- vision loss or damage, blood clot in eye
- dental damage
Use of Rebetol may
increase the risk of developing anemia (low red blood cell count). If you have
heart disease or any
circulatory problems, use extreme
caution while taking Rebetol and have your blood checked often. Your doctor may also require that your vision, liver and thyroid function be examined as well. See "
Side Effects" tab for serious reactions.Rebetol
does not prevent hepatitis C from being spread to other people. Ask your doctor about how to
safely prevent transmitting hepatitis C to others.If you are taking Rebetol and have symptoms of
dry mouth and vomiting, rinse your mouth often and have frequent dental exams to be sure that you do not develop
gum disease or
tooth loss.
Rebetol and Pregnancy
Rebetol is an FDA
pregnancy Category X and is
contraindicated in women who are
pregnant and men who are sexually active with a woman who
may become pregnant.If Rebetol is taken during pregnancy or by a man who fathers a child, the baby
may suffer from birth defects or
fetal death. It is unknown if Rebetol passes through breast-mlk or may harm a
nursing baby. Women must use a minimum of
two forms of birth control if she or her partner is taking Rebetol. These methods must be continued until
after 6 months of ending the treatment.If you
become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while either you or your partner is taking Rebetol,
contact your doctor immediately. If you are
planning on becoming pregnant,
ask your doctor about safely doing so.
General Warnings
Rebetol is
not safe for and
should not be used by patients who:
- are allergic to Rebetol or any ingredient in Rebetol (rivavirin)
- have serious liver disease
- have autoimmune hepatitis
- have a hemoglobin blood disorder
- are currently taking didanosine (Videx)
- are pregnant
- are a male and has a pregnant sexual partner
For safety, let your doctor know if you have any of the following conditions:
- allergies
- a history of kidney or liver disease or failure; any liver or kidney transplants
- a history of heart disease, high or low blood pressure, abnormal heart beats or a heart attack
- hepatitis B
- blood cell disorders (including anemia)
- HIV, AIDS or any disease that may cause a weakened immune system
- diabetes
- thyroid problems (overactive or underactive thyroid)
- pancreatitis or a problem with your pancreas
- sarcoidosis
- any breathing disorders or respiratory infections
- eye problems
- a history of depression, suicidal thoughts or if you have ever tried to hurt yourself
- any organ transplants
Also be sure to let your doctor know if you have been unsuccessfully treated by hepatitis C.
Rebetol Interactions
Rebetol
may interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about
any other drugs or products you are currently using. The following could have an effect on the treatment:
- abacavir
- azathipriine
- lamivudine
- stavudine
- tenofovir
- zalcitabine
- zidovudine
Ask your doctor about safely using other medications while taking Rebetol.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using Rebetol as a treatment. Alcohol may increase the possibility of
liver damage or disease and could
increase the side effects of Rebetol. Combining these medicines could impair your judgment and abilities.
Rebetol Treatment and Use
Rebetol | Ribavirin is a brand name antiviral medicine marketed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for treating human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or to be used in combination with an interferon alfa drug for treating hepatitis C. Rebetol may also be used:
- for treating viral hemorrhagic fevers (abnormal bleeding inside or outside of the body which may be fatal)
- as a medication for treating acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
- to prevent serious liver damage caused by hepatitis C only when taken with another medication
Rebetol does not treat hepatitis C when used alone. Rebetol does not prevent transmission of hepatitis C.
How Does Rebetol Work?
It is not known exactly how Rebetol works in the body. Rebetol is thought to block viruses from infecting cells by interfering with the conversion of RNA to DNA, the process in which viruses normally infect cells. This stops the spread of the infection throughout the body.
How to Take Rebetol
Rebetol comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms to be taken orally. Be sure to use all prescribed medicines while taking Rebetol. If you do not use Rebetol with an interferon alfa drug, this medication will not work properly. Take Rebetol only as prescribed by your doctor. Using more or less than the amount recommended could be dangerous. Dose depends on patient’s medical condition and weight.
Rebetol is typically prescribed to be taken:
- with a full glass of water and with food
- twice daily; once in the morning and once in the evening
- as a treatment to be used for 24 to 48 weeks or more
Rebetol capsules and tablets should be taken whole; do not break or crush this medicine. If you are using the oral suspension, shake well before use and be sure to pour the exact amount of medicine in a proper dose-measuring device.
Drink plenty of fluids during treatment to prevent dehydration.
or pain