Treating hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with interferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine. How Ribavirin works to treat hepatitis C is not completely understood.

Do NOT use Ribavirin if:

• you are pregnant
• your female sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant within the next 6 months
• you have certain blood disorders (eg, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia major), a history of serious heart problems, severe kidney problems, or inflammation of your pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
• you are also using interferon and have autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your own body instead of a virus) or severely decreased liver function
• you are taking didanosine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ribavirin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ribavirin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age
• if you have a history of cancer, heart problems or heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, or HIV infection
• if you have liver problems (other than hepatitis C infection) such as hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function
• if you have a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior
• if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ribavirin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Didanosine or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, lamivudine), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine), or other antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection because serious side effects, including risk of infection, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, lactic acidosis, and severe or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Ribavirin
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the effectiveness of Ribavirin may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ribavirin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ribavirin :

Use Ribavirin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Ribavirin comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Ribavirin refilled.
• Ribavirin should be taken with food.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Ribavirin is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Take Ribavirin regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Ribavirin at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to use Ribavirin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Ribavirin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ribavirin.

Important safety information:

• Ribavirin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Ribavirin. Using Ribavirin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, because it could worsen liver disease.
• LAB TESTS, including pregnancy tests; blood counts; hemoglobin levels; and heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment with Ribavirin and for 6 months after treatment with Ribavirin is stopped.
• Women of childbearing potential who either take Ribavirin or are sexual partners of men who take Ribavirin must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Ribavirin is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Ribavirin is stopped.
• Caution is advised when using Ribavirin in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Ribavirin with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Ribavirin if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Ribavirin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ribavirin.

Possible side effects of Ribavirin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fever, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingling of arms or legs; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; severe headache; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; sinus problems; thoughts of suicide; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual mental or mood changes; unusual or severe tiredness and fatigue; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; yellowing of eyes or skin.