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Ribavirin Capsules

Generic name: Ribavirin Capsules [ rye-ba-VYE-rin ]
Brand names: Rebetol, Ribasphere
Drug classes: Inhaled anti-infectives, Purine nucleosides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 21, 2023.

Warning

  • Do not take this medicine (ribavirin capsules) alone to treat hepatitis C infection.
  • A severe blood problem called hemolytic anemia has happened with this medicine (ribavirin capsules). This can make heart disease worse and lead to heart attacks, which can be deadly. Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems. Get medical help right away if you have chest pain while taking this medicine (ribavirin capsules).
  • Do not take if you are pregnant. Use during pregnancy may cause birth defects or loss of the unborn baby. If you get pregnant or plan on getting pregnant while taking this medicine (ribavirin capsules), call your doctor right away.
  • Use 2 kinds of birth control that you can trust while using this medicine (ribavirin capsules) and for 6 months after stopping this medicine (ribavirin capsules).
  • Do not take this medicine (ribavirin capsules) if you are a man with a sex partner who is pregnant.
  • If you are a man and have sex with a female who could get pregnant, protect her from pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after your last dose. Use 2 kinds of birth control.
  • If you or your sex partner gets pregnant while taking this medicine (ribavirin capsules) or within 6 months after stopping this medicine (ribavirin capsules), call your doctor right away.

Uses of Ribavirin Capsules:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Ribavirin Capsules?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (ribavirin capsules).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (ribavirin capsules) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Ribavirin Capsules?

How is this medicine (Ribavirin Capsules) best taken?

Use this medicine (ribavirin capsules) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of Ribavirin Capsules?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Ribavirin Capsules?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.