Ribavirin
Ribavirin Nebulizer solution
What is this medicine?
RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in hospitalized children.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart problems
on a ventilator for breathing assistance
an unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for inhalation through the mouth. It is given by specially trained personnel in a hospital setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
didanosine, ddI
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines to treat HIV like zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine, stavudine (d4T)
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
Visitors and health care workers are at risk of exposure to this medicine by breathing mist from the air. Talk to the doctor for more information. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding talk with the doctor before visiting a patient who is on this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain, soreness
fever
lips or nail beds with bluish color
seizures
unusual blood pressure or heart rate
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
headache
irritated, watery eyes
runny nose
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Ribavirin Oral capsule
What is this medicine?
RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with interferon alfa to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cancer
blood disease like sickle-cell or thalassemia
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
history of depression, anxiety
immune system problems
kidney disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
other liver disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food,. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If the whole day has passed, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
didanosine, ddI
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
abacavir
azathioprine
emtricitabine
lamivudine
stavudine
zalcitabine
zidovudine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need to have tests done to check your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Do not drink alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor. This may make your liver disease worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and have regular dental examinations. Also, if you vomit, rinse out your mouth.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
back or stomach pain
black or bloody diarrhea
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain
dark urine
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide
dizziness, lightheaded
fever or chills, sore throat
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
missed menstrual period
right upper belly pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
itchy skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Ribavirin Oral solution
What is this medicine?
RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with interferon alfa to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cancer
blood disease like sickle-cell or thalassemia
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
history of depression, anxiety
immune system problems
kidney disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
other liver disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take this medicine with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If the whole day has passed, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
didanosine, ddI
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
abacavir
azathioprine
emtricitabine
lamivudine
stavudine
zalcitabine
zidovudine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need to have tests done to check your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Do not drink alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor. This may make your liver disease worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and have regular dental examinations. Also, if you vomit, rinse out your mouth.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
back or stomach pain
black or bloody diarrhea
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain
dark urine
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide
dizziness, lightheaded
fever or chills, sore throat
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
missed menstrual period
right upper belly pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
itchy skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Or, store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Ribavirin Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with peginterferon alfa to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cancer
blood disease like sickle-cell or thalassemia
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
history of depression, anxiety
immune system problems
kidney disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
other liver disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If the whole day has passed, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
didanosine, ddI
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
abacavir
azathioprine
emtricitabine
lamivudine
stavudine
zalcitabine
zidovudine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need to have tests done to check your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Do not drink alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor. This may make your liver disease worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and have regular dental examinations. Also, if you vomit, rinse out your mouth.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
back or stomach pain
black or bloody diarrhea
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain
dark urine
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide
dizziness, lightheaded
fever or chills, sore throat
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
missed menstrual period
right upper belly pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
itchy skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Ribavirin Oral tablet, Ribavirin Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) is an antiviral medicine. It is used with peginterferon alfa to treat hepatitis C. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cancer
blood disease like sickle-cell or thalassemia
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
heart disease
history of depression, anxiety
immune system problems
kidney disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
man with a partner who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant
other liver disease
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, interferons, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and remember the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If the whole day has passed, ask your healthcare provider what to do. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with the following medication:
didanosine, ddI
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
abacavir
azathioprine
emtricitabine
lamivudine
stavudine
zalcitabine
zidovudine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
See your doctor or health care professional for a follow-up visit as directed. You may need to have tests done to check your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
This medicine may cause birth defects or death to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Men who are taking this medicine must avoid getting a woman pregnant while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping this medicine. Use 2 forms of birth control. Women who can still have children must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment. Take monthly pregnancy tests while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after this medicine is stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think that you or your partner are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Do not drink alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor. This may make your liver disease worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily and have regular dental examinations. Also, if you vomit, rinse out your mouth.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
back or stomach pain
black or bloody diarrhea
breathing problems
changes in vision
chest pain
dark urine
depressed mood, thoughts of suicide
dizziness, lightheaded
fever or chills, sore throat
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
light-colored stools
loss of appetite, nausea
missed menstrual period
right upper belly pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
cough
difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
itchy skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:
March 21, 2017
Sources:
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert