What is ribavirin

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Learn what needs to be…. Testing for hepatitis C can be tricky. Results may not be accurate the first time, leaving you with questions or concerns. Learn why this happens. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Ribavirin, Oral Tablet. Written by University of Illinois on October 14, Important warnings About Side effects Interactions Other warnings Dosage Take as directed Important considerations Alternatives Highlights for ribavirin Ribavirin oral tablet is available only as a generic drug.

Ribavirin comes as an oral tablet, oral capsule, oral solution, and inhalant solution. Ribavirin oral tablet is used in combination with other drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C virus HCV infection. Important warnings. What is ribavirin? Ribavirin side effects. Ribavirin may interact with other medications. Ribavirin warnings. How to take ribavirin. Take as directed. Important considerations for taking ribavirin.

Are there any alternatives? Osteoarthritis Medications List. This allows your child to gently inhale the medicine over a long period of time. Small amounts of ribavirin may be released into the nearby air while this medicine is being given to your child. Anyone in close contact with the child may be exposed to ribavirin released into the air. Your child's lung function will be tested often. The doctor may prescribe bronchodilator medication to help improve your child's breathing. You may need to follow special precautions to avoid exposure to airborne ribavirin while your baby is being treated with this medicine.

Carefully follow all directions about handling or being near your child. Women who are able to become pregnant should avoid close contact with the child.

Otherwise, take all safety precautions needed to reduce your exposure to ribavirin. Being near a child who has RSV may increase your risk of becoming infected with the virus.

Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, and wheezing.

Ribavirin inhalation is for use only in babies and young children and should not be used by an adult. Because your child will receive ribavirin inhalation in a clinical setting, a missed dose is not likely. Do not take ribavirin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not start taking ribavirin until a pregnancy test has shown that you are not pregnant. You must use two forms of birth control and be tested for pregnancy every month during your treatment and for 6 months afterward.

Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during this time. Ribavirin may cause harm or death to the fetus. Do not take ribavirin if your partner is pregnant or plans to become pregnant. If you have a partner who can become pregnant, you should not start taking ribavirin until a pregnancy test shows that she is not pregnant.

You must use two forms of birth control, including a condom with spermicide during your treatment and for 6 months afterward. Your partner must be tested for pregnancy every month during this time. Call your doctor immediately if your partner becomes pregnant. Ribavirin is used with an interferon medication such as peginterferon alfa-2a [Pegasys] or peginterferon alpha-2b [PEG-Intron] to treat hepatitis C in people who have not been treated with an interferon before. Ribavirin is in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside analogues.

It works by stopping the virus that causes hepatitis C from spreading inside the body. It is not known if treatment that includes ribavirin and another medication cures hepatitis C infection, prevents liver damage that may be caused by hepatitis C, or prevents the spread of hepatitis C to other people.

Ribavirin comes as a tablet, a capsule and an oral solution liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day, in the morning and the evening, for 24 to 48 weeks or longer. Take ribavirin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ribavirin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Be sure to wash the measuring spoon or cup after use each time you measure the liquid. Your doctor may decrease your dose or tell you to stop taking ribavirin if you develop side effects of the medication or if certain laboratory tests show that your condition has not improved. Call your doctor if you are bothered by side effects of ribavirin.