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DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: zidovudine. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting ribavirin/interferon alpha-2b. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), didanosine, theophylline, vidarabine, zalcitabine, drugs that can depress the immune system (e.g., anti-cancer type). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: These products have been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use them later for another infection or give them to others. A different medication may be needed in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor for pregnancy, side effects or response to treatment (e.g., blood counts such as CBC, platelets).

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE: Store this product in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). The capsules of ribavirin may be stored separately at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Properly discard of any unused medications after the expiration date.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.