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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
Ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b ((rye-ba-VYE-rin and in-ter-FEER-on AL-fa) ) combination is used to treat a viral liver infection known as hepatitis C infection. Ribavirin is taken by mouth and interferon alfa-2b is administered beneath the skin (subcutaneously). Ribavirin is used to treat virus infections. Interferons are substances naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors. Interferon alfa-2b is a synthetic (man-made) version of these substances. Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat a variety of tumors and viruses including the hepatitis C virus.
Ribavirin is available for oral administration. Interferon alfa-2b is available only as an injectable form.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b combination, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alpha interferons or ribavirin.
Pregnancy--Ribavirin should not be used while pregnant, if you plan on becoming pregnant, or by men whose female partners are pregnant
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether ribavirin or interferon alfa-2b passes into breast milk. However, because these medicines may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding may not be recommended while you are receiving them. Discuss with your doctor whether or not you should breast-feed while you are receiving this combination medicine.
Children--Studies on this combination medicine have been done only in adult patients and there is no specific information comparing use of ribavirin and recombinant interferon alfa-2b combination in children younger than 18 years of age with use in other age group.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b combination medicine in the elderly with use in other age group.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
If you are injecting interferon alfa-2b yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.
Interferon alfa-2b often cause unusual tiredness. This effect is less likely to cause problems if you inject this medicine at bedtime. Also, your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids, especially during the early phase of treatment.
Dosing--The dose of ribavirin and interferon alfa-2b will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including the patient's size and laboratory test. If you are receiving interferon alfa-2b at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of interferons alfa-2b, ask your doctor.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of ribavirin or interferon alfa-2b, do not inject the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Check with your doctor for further instructions.
Storage--To store this medicine:
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
This medicine may cause some people to become unusually tired or dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or if you are not alert.
Interferon alfa-2b commonly causes a flu-like reaction, with aching muscles, fever and chills, and headache. To prevent problems from your temperature going too high, your doctor may ask you to take medicine for pain and fever such as acetaminophen (e.g., Anacin 3, Tylenol) before each dose of interferon alfa-2b. You may also need to take it after a dose to bring your temperature down. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about taking your temperature, and how much and when to take the medicine such as acetaminophen .
Women of childbearing potential should use two reliable forms of effective contraception.
Alpha interferon can lower the number of white blood cells in your blood temporarily, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More Common
Chest pain; mood changes; trouble breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
thoughts of suicide
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
dizziness; fatigue; fever; headache; impaired concentration; impaired taste; influenza-like symptoms such as unusual tiredness or weakness; irritability; red itchy skin. ; large swing in moods; loss of appetite; muscle or joint pain; nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach; nervousness; Redness and warm feeling at the site of injection; shaking; temporary thinning of hair; stuffy nose; trouble sleeping
.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 10/5/99
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