Rebetol

Description

Drug Uses

Rebetol is used for treatment of hepatitis C infection in certain patients when used in combination with interferon. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Rebetol as directed by your doctor. Take Rebetol with a meal. It is recommended to drink extra fluids while you are taking Rebetol. Take Rebetol regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Rebetol at the same times each day will help you remember to take it.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Rebetol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Rebetol, if you have a history of cancer, heart problems or heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia), thyroid problems, or HIV infection, if you have liver problems (other than hepatitis C infection) such as hepatitis B infection, cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function, have a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders, thoughts of suicide, suicidal behavior, or drug or alcohol abuse, if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Do not use Rebetol if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Rebetol is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Rebetol. Some medicines may interact with Rebetol. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Rebetol if your female sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant within the next 6 months, if you have autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your own body instead of a virus) or severely decreased liver function or you are taking didanosine. Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, as it could worsen liver disease. Lab tests, including pregnancy tests, blood counts, hemoglobin levels, and heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment with Rebetol and for 6 months after treatment with Rebetol is stopped. Women of childbearing potential who either take Rebetol or are sexual partners of men who take Rebetol must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Rebetol is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Rebetol is stopped. Use Rebetol with extreme caution in children younger than 3 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Rebetol.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, dry skin, loss of appetite, mild headache, nausea, or vomiting, mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, upset stomach, weakness or fatigue Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately– allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, itching, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry stools, changes in hearing, taste, or vision, chest pain, dark urine, decrease in the amount of urine, fever, chills, or sore throat, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, loss of appetite, muscle pain or weakness, numbness or tingling of arms or legs, prolonged nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, severe headache, severe stomach or back pain, shortness of breath, sinus problems, thoughts of suicide, trouble sleeping, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual mental or mood changes, unusual or severe tiredness and fatigue, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, weight loss, yellowing of eyes or skin.

Storage

Store Rebetol at 77 °F (25 °C). Brief storage at 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Rebetol out of the reach of children.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information

Rebetol may cause dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, or blurred vision.. These effects may worsen if Rebetol is taken with alcohol or certain other medications. Use Rebetol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to this drug. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Rebetol should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.