Ribavirin/Interferon Alfa-2B (By Mouth, Injection)

Treats hepatitis C.

Brand Name(s):

Rebetron 1200, Rebetron 1000, Rebetron 600
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine is you have ever had an allergic reaction to interferon alfa or ribavirin. You should not use this medicine if you have an autoimmune type of hepatitis, or if you are pregnant or your female sexual partner is pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Injectable, Swab

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is a combination of capsules to be taken by mouth and shots to be given under the skin. Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may be given by a home health caregiver. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the capsules and the injection vials in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• If the medicine for injection looks cloudy, has particles floating in it, or has changed color, do not use it. Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking zidovudine (Retrovir®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have heart or kidney disease, hepatitis B, thyroid problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV or AIDS, a history of mental problems, or if you have had an organ transplant.
• You may have a flu symptoms such as fever, chills, tiredness, and muscle aches when you first start using this medicine. Ask your doctor what you should do if you develop these symptoms. Using your shot at bedtime may help reduce these symptoms.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Bloating, dark urine, fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, pain in stomach or side
• Changes in vision or trouble seeing
• Depressed mood, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Hair loss
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
• Muscle pain
• Pain or swelling where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.