Rebetol/Ribavirin IS USED FOR:

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

BEFORE USING Rebetol/Ribavirin :

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

• if you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• 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 plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• 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 a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior

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

• Didanosine/Videx ec or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, lamivudine/Combivir), immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine/Gengraf), 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/Rebetol
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin/Coumadin) because the effectiveness of Ribavirin/Rebetol may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ribavirin/Rebetol 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 Rebetol/Ribavirin :

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

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

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

DO NOT USE Rebetol/Ribavirin IF:

• you are taking didanosine/Videx ec
• your female sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant within the next 6 months
• you are pregnant
• 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

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

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Rebetol/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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• Use Ribavirin/Rebetol with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Ribavirin/Rebetol if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Ribavirin/Rebetol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ribavirin/Rebetol .
• Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, because it could worsen liver disease.
• Women of childbearing potential who either take Ribavirin/Rebetol or are sexual partners of men who take Ribavirin/Rebetol must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Ribavirin/Rebetol is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Ribavirin/Rebetol is stopped.
• Ribavirin/Rebetol 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/Rebetol . Using Ribavirin/Rebetol alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment with Ribavirin/Rebetol and for 6 months after treatment with Ribavirin/Rebetol is stopped.
• Caution is advised when using Ribavirin/Rebetol in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• 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.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.