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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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ribavirin (Copegus)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to ribavirin, or if you have:

• severe liver disease;
• autoimmune hepatitis;
• a hemoglobin disorder such as anemia, thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), or sickle-cell anemia; or
• if you are pregnant woman, or a man whose female sexual partner is pregnant.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before using ribavirin, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney or liver disease;
• hepatitis B infection;
• a blood cell disorder;
• cancer;
• psoriasis;
• diabetes;
• sarcoidosis;
• a thyroid disorder;
• hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS);
• a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack;
• a history of depression or suicide attempt;
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
• a history of a liver or other organ transplant.
• Tell your doctor if you have been treated with interferon in the past and it did not work well in treating your hepatitis C.

This medication can cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby.

• If you are a woman, do not take ribavirin if you are pregnant. You will need frequent pregnancy tests to make sure you are not pregnant while taking ribavirin.
• If you are a man, do not take ribavirin if your female sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could also be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is taking ribavirin. Your sexual partner will need frequent pregnancy tests to make sure she is not pregnant while you are taking ribavirin.
• Use at least two effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is taking ribavirin, and for at least 6 months after treatment ends.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is taking ribavirin.

Your name may need to be listed on a ribavirin pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while you or your male sexual partner are taking this medication or during the 6 months after treatment ends. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether ribavirin had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether ribavirin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ribavirin (Copegus)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Ribavirin is not effective when used alone to treat hepatitis C. It must be used together with an interferon alfa product (such as Peg-Intron or Intron A) to treat chronic hepatitis C.

Take this medicine with food.

Measure the liquid form of ribavirin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Ribavirin may decrease the number of red blood cells in your body. This is called anemia and it can be life-threatening in people who have heart disease or circulation problems. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver and thyroid function may also need to be checked. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Call your doctor at once if you have pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness. These may be signs of serious anemia.

It is important to use ribavirin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. You may need to take this medication for many months.

Drink extra fluids while you are taking ribavirin to keep from getting dehydrated, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

Ribavirin can cause dry mouth, which could lead to tooth decay or gum disease. If you vomit while taking ribavirin, rinse your mouth out with water to prevent damage to your teeth or gums. Be sure to have regular dental exams while you are taking this medication.

Store ribavirin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Store ribavirin liquid (oral solution) in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze.