Uses
Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine. Ribavirin is used in combination with other antiviral medications (such as interferon, sofosbuvir) to treat chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Chronic hepatitis C infection can cause serious liver problems such as scarring (cirrhosis), or liver cancer. Ribavirin works by reducing the amount of hepatitis C virus in your body, which may help your liver recover.
Do NOT use ribavirin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in ribavirin or have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin) to ribavirin or any other ingredient in ribavirin
- you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while you take ribavirin or within 6 months after you stop taking it
- you are a man with a female sexual partner who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant while you take ribavirin or within 6 months after you stop taking it
- you are breast-feeding
- you have certain blood disorders (eg, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia major), autoimmune hepatitis (liver problems caused by your immune system instead of a virus), severely decreased liver function, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- you have a history of serious or uncontrolled heart problems
- you are taking didanosineContact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Side Effects
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.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Ribavirin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- problems with your vision;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
- stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath;- severe depression, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
- pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, or unusual weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
- headache;
- muscle pain;
- dry mouth;
- nausea; vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- weight loss;
- feeling tired or irritable;
- anxiety, mood changes; or
- pain, swelling, or irritation where the interferon injection was given.

Interactions
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. 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.

Dosage
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with interferon alfa-2b for oral dosage form (capsules):
- Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1000 to 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, given as two or three capsules in the morning and three capsules at night.
- Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
- Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b for oral dosage form (capsules):
- Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 800 to 1400 milligrams (mg) per day, given as two to three capsules in the morning and two to four capsules at night.
- Children 3 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
- Children younger than 3 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For hepatitis C virus infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a for oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 800 to 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
- Children 5 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 400 to 1200 mg per day, given in 2 divided doses and taken in the morning and evening.
- Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For hepatitis C with HIV virus coinfection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a for oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults—800 milligrams (mg) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage
Store Ribavirin tablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep out of the reach of children.