Rebetol (Ribavirin) is a prescription medication used in combination with other antiviral medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C, a viral liver infection. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems like liver cancer or cirrhosis. The active ingredient in Rebetol is Ribavirin. Ribavirin belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called nucleoside analogues. It works by stopping the growth of the virus that causes the spread of hepatitis C inside the body. Rebetol is not effective when used alone. It is used in combination with interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa to treat hepatitis C. Effective treatment of hepatitis C prevent worsening liver dysfunction and consequent liver failure.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Rebetol. The most common side effects of Rebetol may include the following:
• Dry skin and mouth;
• Headache;
• Loss of appetite;
• Mood changes;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Trouble falling asleep

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about harming someone else;
• Signs of low blood count like swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• Signs of serious anemia like dark colored urine, pale or yellowed skin, confusion;
• Vision problems

These are not all of the side effects of Rebetol. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Rebetol if you are allergic to Ribavirin or any ingredient in Rebetol. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a hemoglobin blood cells disorder like sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
• Have a thyroid disorder;
• Have a weak immune system;
• Have autoimmune hepatitis;
• Have depression or mental illness;
• Have had an organ transplant;
• Have liver problems other than hepatitis C;
• Have severe kidney disease;
• Have vision problems such as glaucoma or cataract

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Rebetol and didanosine, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, drugs for treating HIV/AIDS, or drugs that suppress the immune system. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you are a woman, do not take Rebetol while pregnant. If you are a man, it is advisable not take Rebetol if your partner is pregnant. The drug can cause congenital disabilities, miscarriage, or death to a fetus if the mother or father is using this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while either sexual partner is taking Rebetol and for at least six months after the last dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Rebetol passes into breast milk and if it may harm nursing infants. Take Rebetol precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Rebetol is not effective when used alone and must be used in combination with other medications to treat hepatitis C. Take this medication with food. Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, or break the capsule open. Rebetol may make you dehydrated. Drink extra fluids when taking this drug. If you vomit while taking this drug, rinse your mouth with water to prevent damage to your teeth or gums. Ensure you have regular dental exams while taking this medication. Rebetol can cause dry mouth, which could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Ensure you have regular dental exams while taking this medication. Avoid drinking alcohol with this drug. Alcohol can worsen your liver disease. Using Rebetol will not prevent you from passing hepatitis to other people. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to prevent passing the disease to other people. Store Rebetol at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.

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