REBETRON 1000

Drug Name: REBETRON 1000

REBETRON 1000 DESCRIPTION:
RIBAVIRIN (ORAL) AND INTERFERON ALPHA-2B (INJECTION) (rye-buh-VYE-rin/in-ter-FEER-on

COMMON REBETRON 1000 BRAND NAME(S):
Rebetron

REBETRON 1000 SIDE EFFECTS:
This product may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea or stomach pain. These symptoms may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Redness, pain or swelling at injection site, dizziness, hair thinning and change in taste sensation may also occur. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly mental/mood changes, extreme tiredness, one-sided weakness (arm/leg), vision changes, poor coordination, cold or heat intolerance or fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Very unlikely but report promptly black stools, persistent sore throat, chest discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or tingling of hands or feet. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE REBETRON 1000:
REBETRON 1000: Take the ribavirin medicine by mouth, generally twice daily with or without food. The interferon is injected under the skin (SC) three times a week or as directed. Use at bedtime may minimize flu-like side effects. Learn all the preparation and administration instructions in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear on any information. Dosage is based on your condition and response to treatment. Drink plenty of fluids while using these drugs unless otherwise directed. Antiviral medications work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at about the same time each day as directed. Continue to use these products until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a short time. Do not use if the liquid contains particles or is discolored. Make sure needles and any medical supplies are stored safely and disposed of properly. Consult your pharmacist or nurse.

REBETRON 1000 WARNING:
Because the ribavirin in this combination product has cause birth defects and fetal death, it must not be used during pregnancy. Men and women of childbearing potential must avoid pregnancy and use 2 forms of effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with this product and for 6 months after REBETRON 1000 has been stopped. Patients using interferon have developed mental and/or emotional conditions (e.g., depression, suicidal thoughts). Notify your doctor immediately if you start feeling sad or depressed.

REBETRON 1000 USES:
This combination of medications is used to treat certain viral infections.

REBETRON 1000 PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies, blood disorders, diabetes, lung, kidney, liver, heart or thyroid disease, immune system disorders (e.g., lupus, sarcoidosis), psoriasis, depression or other emotional or mental conditions. Avoid alcohol intake as it may intensify drug side effects. Since these products may cause dizziness, caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). These products must not be used during pregnancy by either the pregnant woman or her male partner. Two reliable forms of birth control must be used whenever at least one sexual partner is using these medicines, and for six months after stopping treatment. If you (or your partner) become pregnant or think you/partner may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is unknown whether these products are excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using these products is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

REBETRON 1000 DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you may use including zidovudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), theophylline, vidarabine or anticancer drugs (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine or those affecting blood cells). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

REBETRON 1000 OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

REBETRON 1000 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.

MISSED REBETRON 1000 DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

REBETRON 1000 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. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.