In this Article

• What is ribavirin (Copegus)?
• What are the possible side effects of ribavirin (Copegus)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ribavirin (Copegus)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ribavirin (Copegus)?
• How should I take ribavirin (Copegus)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Copegus)?
• What happens if I overdose (Copegus)?
• What should I avoid while taking ribavirin (Copegus)?
• What other drugs will affect ribavirin (Copegus)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Copegus)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If you have not taken the medication for longer than 24 hours, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Copegus)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, urinating less than usual or not at all, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or a general ill feeling.

What should I avoid while taking ribavirin (Copegus)?

Treatment with ribavirin does not prevent spread of the hepatitis C virus to other people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent passing the disease to another person.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Ribavirin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect ribavirin (Copegus)?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• abacavir (Ziagen);
• azathiopriine (Azasan, Imuran);
• lamivudine (Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Trizivir);
• stavudine (Zerit);
• tenofovir (Viread);
• zalcitabine (Hivid); or
• zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with ribavirin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ribavirin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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