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This item requires a prescription from your doctor.

General Information On Rebetol

Rebetol or Ribavirin is an oral medication used to treat chronic Hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease. You can buy Rebetol for patients who are over 3 years of age, and usually, it is given in combination with an interferon alfa product, both pegylated and non-pegylated.

Side Effects for Rebetol

Stop taking Rebetol and seek medical help if you experience any of the serious side effects such as vision problems, fever, body ache, chills, flu symptoms, severe pain in the upper stomach going towards your back, vomiting, nausea, fast heart rate, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, pale or yellow skin, easy bruising and bleeding, unusual weakness, and dark urine. Some of the mild effects of the drug include headache, dry mouth, muscle pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety, nausea, and mood changes. Most of these mild side effects diminish on their own, but if they worsen or persist, then you need to stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions

Rebetol is used only in combination with interferon alfa products and cannot be effective in treating the disease when taken alone. You should also not take the drug if you have had/have liver disease, a hemoglobin disorder like thalassemia or anemia, autoimmune hepatitis, or if you are taking Didanosine or Videx. Rebetol causes birth defects and even death of an unborn baby, and therefore, you should not take it if you are pregnant. You should also not take Rebetol if your sexual partner is pregnant, as it may harm the unborn child. Rebetol decreases red blood cell count, and therefore, it may lead to anemia. As such, you need to get your blood tested regularly and contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, yellow or pale skin, and have trouble breathing. Try to drink lots of fluids in order to prevent dehydration, especially in hot weather or during exercise. Since Rebetol causes a dry mouth, it may lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Therefore, it is also important to get regular dental examinations undertaken while taking Rebetol. Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they may increase your risk of developing liver damage. You should also not drive or operate heavy machinery as the drug may impair your reflexes and concentration for a while.

Rebetol Dosage

Rebetol 1200mg per day is given to patients, along with Intron A injections for 24 to 48 weeks, followed by a 24 week follow up period. If the patient weighs less than 75 kilograms, then he or she will be given Rebetol 1000mg per day, instead of the regular 1200mg. Do not discontinue taking the medicine or decrease or increase its dose without consulting your doctor.

Interactions

Inform your doctor if you are already taking Ziagen, Epivir, Trizivir, Epzicom, Combivir, Zerit, Viread, Hivid, AZT or Retrovir. You should also not buy Rebetol if you are taking anti-HIV drugs, antacids and Didanosine. Also inform your doctor about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking at present.