Warning: the following info is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise and judgment of your pharmacist. it shouldnot be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your physician before using this medication.

Ribavirin - oral tablets

(rye-buh-vye-rin)

common brand names: Copegus

Warning: Ribavirin can cause birth defects and/or fetal death when used during pregnancy. wonen about childbearing potential & theyre male partners must use two forms of reliable birth control (contraception) during treatment with this product & for 6 months after it drug has been stopped to avoid pregnancy. Consult some your physician or pharmacist for additional information.

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Copegus Usage: Ribavirin is used in combination with interferon to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes swelling or enlargement of the liver.

How to use Copegus: Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily with food or as directed by you're physician. the dosage & length of treatment is based on some your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Antiviral medications work best when the amount of medicine at youre body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take it medication at evenly spaced intervals. It's recommended that female patients or female partners about male patients take a pregnancy test before it drug is started. pregnancy test must also be done all month during treatment & for 6 months after end of treatment with this medication to make sure no pregnancy occurs during therapy. Refer to the pregnancy warning in the Precautions section (below). Drink plenty of water while being treated with this medication; doing so will decrease risk of serious side effects. Read med guide provided by your physician. Ask your physician, nurse, or physician any questions you may have about this medicine.

Copegus side effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, & flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Promptly tell your pharmacist if any of these side effects occur: hair loss, loss of appetite, weight loss, rash, itching. Tell some your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual tiredness & weakness (fatigue), dark urine, yellowing eyes, mental/mood changes, trouble breathing. Tell some your healthcare professional immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, muscle pain, joint pain, rapid breathing, stomach pain, easy bruising or unusual bleeding. An allergic reaction to it medication is unlikely, but seek immeditial medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: severe rash, severe itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or doctor.

Copegus Precautions: this medication shouldnot be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using it medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe heart disease, kidney disease, blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia, low hemoglobin), other types of hepatitis (e.g., autoimmune hepatitis). Before using this med, tell your doctor or healthcare professional your medical history, especially about: other liver problems, heart problems, breathing problems, pancreas problems (e.g., pancreatitis), diabetes, any allergies. this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging at activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects about the drug. this medication must not be used during pregnancy. Consult some your doctor for more details & to discuss reliable forms of birth control. it is recommended that men & woman use two effective forms of birth control (e.g., latex condoms, birth control medication) while taking this med since ribavirin may cause fetal harm. These birth control measures should be used during treatment with, & for at least 6 months after using it medication. it is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to infant, breast-feeding while using it med isn't recommended.

Copegus drug interactions: this drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: zidovudine, stavudine, didanosine. Tell your pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription med you may use. do not start or stop any medicine with-out doctor or pharmacist approval.

Copegus Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Copegus special notes: do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., pregnancy tests, blood counts, hemoglobin) will be performed to monitor some your progress and for side effects.

If you missed Copegus dose: If you miss a dose, use this as soon as you remember. If It's near time of the following dose, skip missed dose & resume youre usual dosing schedule. do not double the dose to catch up.

Copegus Storage: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light & moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.

Medical alert: your condition may cause complications at medical emergency.

Active Ingredients : Ribavirin

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