Ribatab(Oral)

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

• a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;
• autoimmune hepatitis;
• moderate to severe kidney disease;
• if you are also taking didanosine; or
• if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant.

When you take ribavirin in combination with other medications:There may be other reasons you should not take the combination treatment. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (low red blood cells);
• heart problems, high blood pressure, or heart attack;
• breathing problems;
• vision problems (you may need an eye exam before taking ribavirin);
• diabetes;
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS) or a weak immune system;
• depression, mental illness, thoughts of hurting yourself or others;
• a thyroid disorder;
• kidney disease;
• an organ transplant;
• liver problems other than hepatitis C; or
• treatment for hepatitis C that did not work well.

Both men and women taking ribavirin should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy.Ribavirin can cause birth defects, miscarriage, or death to an unborn baby if the mother or father is using this medicine.

• If you are a woman, do not take ribavirin if you are pregnant. You will need to have a negative pregnancy test before taking ribavirin. You will also need pregnancy tests during treatment and for 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man,do not take ribavirin if your sex partner is pregnant.
• Both men and women should keep using effective birth control for at least 6 months after the last dose of ribavirin.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is taking ribavirin. Your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ribavirin on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Ribavirin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old. Ribavirintabletsare not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old.