Warning: following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment of some your physician. it shouldnot be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Ribavirin (oral) & interferon alpha-2b (injection)

(rye-buh-vye-rin/in-ter-feer-on)

common brand names: Rebetron

Warning: Because the ribavirin in this combination product has cause birth defects & fetal fatal, it must not be used during pregnancy. Men and women of childbearing potential should avoid pregnancy & use two forms about effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with it product & for 6 months after it drug has been stopped. interferon can cause or worsen few serious medical conditions including psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), immune system problems (autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), circulation problems (e.g., cardiovascular disease/blood clots), or infections (bone marrow suppression). If your medical history includes these conditions, inform your physician promptly. Also, tell your physician immediately if any serious symptoms or side effects occur (see Side Effects section). These conditions occur infrequently, but some canbe fatal.

Rebetron 600 Usage: this combination of meds is used to treat certain viral infections.

How to use Rebetron 600: Take ribavirin by mouth, usually twice per day with or without food; or as directed by your healthcare professional. it is important to take this medication consistently ether with food or without food. Taking this inconsistently (sometimes with food, sometimes without food) may decrease effectiveness and/or increase your risk about side effects. it may be best to take it medicine with food (more medicine might be absorbed into your bloodstream). the interferon is injected under skin (SC) three times a week or as directed. Use at bedtime may minimize flu-like side effects. Learn all the preparation & administration instructions in product package & ask your doctor or physician if you are unclear on any info. Dosage is based on some your condition & response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while using these drugs unless otherwise directed. Antiviral tablets work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept in constant level. Do this by taking the medication in about same time each day as directed. Continue to use these products until full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a short time. do not use if the liquid contains particles or is discolored. Make sure needles & any medical supplies stored safely & disposed of properly. Consult your pharmacist or nurse.

Rebetron 600 side effects: it product can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, or diarrhea. Redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, dizziness, hair thinning & change in taste sensation may also occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform youre healthcare professional promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: severe fatigue, one-sided weakness (arm/leg), vision changes, poor coordination, cold or heat intolerance, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Very unlikely but report promptly: black stools, persistent sore throat, chest discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, tingling about hands or feet, difficulty hearing, seizures, rapid breathing, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, change in the amount of urine, unusual increase in thirst. If you notice any of following unlikely but serious side effects, stop your treatment with this medicine & consult your doctor immediately: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., suicidal thoughts or severe depression), bloody diarrhea. Rare, possibly fatal cases of swelling of pancreas (pancreatitis) have occurred. Tell your physician immediately if you have symptoms such as stomach pain & vomiting. in unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms about an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact you're healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Rebetron 600 Precautions: this drug is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: other severe liver conditions (e.g., autoimmune hepatitis, decompensated liver disease), immune system suppression for organ transplants. Tell your physician you're medical history, especially of: psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression), low blood counts (e.g., red cells, white cells, or platelets), heart problems, breathing problems, thyroid problems, lung diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma, pneumonia), intestinal disease (e.g., colitis), pancreatitis, immune system diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), eye problems, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, brain tumors, seizures, any allergies. Avoid alcohol intake as it may intensify drug side effects. since these products may cause dizziness, caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to effects of the med. These products must not be used during pregnancy by either pregnant wemen or her male partner. two reliable forms of birth control must be used whenever at least one sexual partner is using these medicines, and for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you (or your partner) become pregnant or think you/partner may be pregnant, inform your pharmacist immediately. this is unknown whether these goods are excreted in to breast milk. Because of the potential risk to infant, breast-feeding while using these products isn't recommended. Consult youre doctor before breast-feeding.

Rebetron 600 medication interactions: Tell you're doctor of all over-the-counter & prescription meds you may use, including: zidovudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), theophylline, vidarabine, medications that can depress the immune system (e.g., anti-cancer type). do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval.

Rebetron 600 Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact you're local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Rebetron 600 special notes: These products have been prescribed for your current condition only. do not use them later for another infection or give them to others. a different med may be needed in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor for pregnancy, side effects or response to treatment (e.g., blood counts such as CBC, platelets).

If you missed Rebetron 600 dose: If you miss dose, contact your physician or healthcare professional to establish a new dosing schedule.

Rebetron 600 Storage: Store this product in refrigerator between 36 & 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). the capsules of ribavirin may be stored separately at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Properly discard of any unused medications after the expiration date.

Medical alert: your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Ribavirin (oral) And Interferon Alpha-2b