Safely Buy Rebetol ( Ribavirin ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.


Indications

Rebetol is a medication that contains the active ingredient ribavirin and is primarily used in combination with other antiviral medications, such as interferon or sofosbuvir, to treat chronic hepatitis C.

Rebetol is not effective when used alone for the treatment of hepatitis C.

Ribavirin works by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis C virus, helping to reduce the viral load and improve liver function.

Ribavirin is typically used in combination therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment and improve the chances of achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR), which means clearing the virus from the body.

Use and Dosage

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ribavirin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also, read the drug information for your other antiviral medication(s).

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with food. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Continue to take ribavirin and your other antiviral medication(s) for the full length of time prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear after a short time. Stopping any of the drugs too early may result in a return of the infection.

Drink plenty of water while being treated with this medication. Doing so will decrease the risk of serious side effects.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Rebetol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ribavirin can cause anemia. In rare cases, this can lead to fatal heart problems. Get emergency medical attention if you have chest pain.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Problems with your vision
  • Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • New or worsening cough, fever, stabbing chest pain, wheezing, or feeling short of breath
  • Severe depression, thoughts about suicide, or thoughts about hurting someone else
  • Signs of serious anemia – pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, confusion, or weakness
  • Other signs of low blood cell counts — fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or feeling light-headed

Ribavirin can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common Rebetol side effects may include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Fever, chills or shaking
  • Low blood cell counts or anemia
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Headache or muscle pain
  • Mood changes or feeling anxious or irritable

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

  • Before taking ribavirin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
  • Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia, low hemoglobin, and thalassemia), kidney disease, other liver problems (such as autoimmune hepatitis), heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems, pancreas problems (such as pancreatitis), and diabetes.
  • This drug may make you dizzy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzier. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
  • Older adults may be at greater risk for anemia while using this drug.
  • Ribavirin must not be used during pregnancy. It is recommended that female patients or female partners of male patients take a pregnancy test before this medication is started. Pregnancy tests should continue to be done while using this medication and for some time after this medication is stopped (for 9 months for female patients and 6 months for female partners of male patients). If you or your partner become pregnant, or if you think you or your partner may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. See also the Warning section.
  • It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Rebetol is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Rebetol Capsule:
    • 200 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

What to avoid?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can make your liver problems worse.

Using this medicine will not prevent you from passing hepatitis to other people. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to prevent passing the disease to another person.

Resources:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-21977-2279/rebetol-oral/ribavirin-capsule-oral/details
  2. https://www.drugs.com/rebetol.html#side-effects
  3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/020903s052,021546s008lbl.pdf

Additional information

Brand Name:

Rebetol

Scientific Name:

Ribavirin

Other Names:

Rebetol

Strength(s):

200mg

Quantities Available:

70

Formulation:

Capsule