Generic Rebetol

Rebetol can be generically prescribed as ribavirin, and is commonly used to treat hepatitis C in conjunction with an interferon alpha medication. Rebetol is a strong antiviral medication but can not treat hepatitis C without the assistance of an interferon alpha medication.

Rebetol is not appropriate for all patients and a thorough medical history is necessary to prevent complications. Patients with anemia can not take this medication as it may cause anemia. Patients with heart disease, circulation problems, a hemoglobin disorder, or autoimmune hepatitis can not take Rebetol. Patients with a medical history which includes heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, sarcoidosis, lung disease, breathing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, drug or alcohol addiction, depression, suicide attempts, thyroid disorder, organ transplantation, hepatitis B, or HIV or AIDS may not be able to take Rebetol or may require extra monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

Rebetol presents a very serious risk to unborn babies. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or have a high likelihood of pregnancy should not take Rebetol, as this medication has been proven to cause serious harm, death, or birth defects in unborn babies. Men who have pregnant sexual partners can not take Rebetol or must refrain from sexual activity. Women who are nursing should not take Rebetol. The risk of serious birth defects or infant death is present for both men and women for at least six months after treatment ends.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Rebetol, some of which are liely to be severe. An allergic reaction is likely to present with hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, and requires immediate medical attention. Other serious side effects include symptoms such as chest pain or heaviness that incorporates the arm or other symptoms of heart attack, severe pain in the abdomen which spreads to the back accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate, trouble breathing, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, pale skin, dark urine, jaundice, confusion, easy bleeding, unusual weakness, and easy bruising, or severe depression or thoughts or actions of self harm.

Less serious side effects are much more common and may include symptoms such as stuffy nose, dry mouth, joint pain, muscle pain, insomnia, sleep problems, fatigue, trouble concentrating, feeling irritable, skin rash, itching, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite. These side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician and may be able to be relieved through reducing the dosage of Rebetol.

It is vital that patients take Rebetol only as it has been prescribed to avoid overdosing. Taking too much Rebetol can result in an overdose. If a dose is missed it can be taken when it is remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. In the event of an overdose the patient should seek immediate medical attention, which will present with symptoms which include the symptoms of a heart attack including chest pain or heaviness that travels down the arm, a serious decrease in urination or the inability to urinate at all, easy bruising, easy bleeding, and a generally ill feeling.

Other medications may react negatively with Rebetol and patients should be encouraged to ask the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Rebetol include stavudine, didanosine, and zidovudine.