Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RIBAVIRIN - ORAL TABLETS (rye-buh-VYE-rin)
BRAND NAME(S): Copegus
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This medication may cause birth defects and/or fetal death when used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential and their male partners must use two forms of reliable birth control (contraception such as latex condoms, birth control medication) while taking this medication and for 6 months after treatment ends to avoid pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
USES: This medication is used in combination with interferon to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes swelling or enlargement of the liver.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually twice daily with food or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Antiviral medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. It is recommended that female patients or female partners of male patients take a pregnancy test before starting this medication. A pregnancy test should also be taken every month while using this medication and for 6 months after treatment ends to make sure no pregnancy occurs. Also refer to Precautions section. Drink plenty of water while being treated with this medication; drinking water will decrease the risk of serious side effects. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions you may have about this medicine.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Hepatitis C - Read about hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, poor appetite, fever, jaundice, and easy bruising. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment information is provided in the information.
- Viral Hepatitis - Viral hepatitis refers to hepatitis caused by a few specific viruses that primarily attack the liver. Hepatitis symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness, and abdominal pain.
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