Rebetol/Ribavirin IS USED FOR:

Treating hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with interferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Rebetol/Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine. How Rebetol/Ribavirin works to treat hepatitis C is not completely understood.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Rebetol/Ribavirin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; itching; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fever, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; irregular heartbeat; joint pain; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingling of arms or legs; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; severe headache; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; sinus problems; thoughts of suicide; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual mental or mood changes; unusual or severe tiredness and fatigue; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weight loss; yellowing of eyes or skin.

DO NOT USE Rebetol/Ribavirin IF:

• you have certain blood disorders (eg, sickle-cell anemia, thalassemia major), a history of serious heart problems, severe kidney problems, or inflammation of your pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
• you are pregnant
• your female sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant within the next 6 months
• you are taking Videx/didanosine
• you are also using interferon and have autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your own body instead of a virus) or severely decreased liver function

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

BEFORE USING Rebetol/Ribavirin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Rebetol/Ribavirin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work
• if you have a history of cancer, heart problems or heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, or HIV infection
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior
• if you have liver problems (other than hepatitis C infection) such as hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function
• if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
• if you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rebetol/Ribavirin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Videx/Didanosine or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, Epivir (3tc)/lamivudine), immunosuppressants (eg, Neoral/cyclosporine), or other antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection because serious side effects, including risk of infection, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, lactic acidosis, and severe or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Rebetol/Ribavirin
• Anticoagulants (eg, Coumadin/warfarin) because the effectiveness of Rebetol/Ribavirin may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Rebetol/Ribavirin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Rebetol/Ribavirin if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Rebetol/Ribavirin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Rebetol/Ribavirin.
• Caution is advised when using Rebetol/Ribavirin in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment with Rebetol/Ribavirin and for 6 months after treatment with Rebetol/Ribavirin is stopped.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, because it could worsen liver disease.
• LAB TESTS, including pregnancy tests; blood counts; hemoglobin levels; and heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Rebetol/Ribavirin with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Women of childbearing potential who either take Rebetol/Ribavirin or are sexual partners of men who take Rebetol/Ribavirin must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Rebetol/Ribavirin is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Rebetol/Ribavirin is stopped.
• Rebetol/Ribavirin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Rebetol/Ribavirin. Using Rebetol/Ribavirin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

HOW TO USE Rebetol/Ribavirin :

Use Rebetol/Ribavirin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Rebetol/Ribavirin comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Rebetol/Ribavirin refilled.
• If you miss a dose of Rebetol/Ribavirin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
• Rebetol/Ribavirin should be taken with food.
• Continue to use Rebetol/Ribavirin even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Rebetol/Ribavirin is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Take Rebetol/Ribavirin regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Rebetol/Ribavirin at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rebetol/Ribavirin.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.