Copegus

This page contains drug information on Copegus.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Copegus
the possible side effects of Copegus
what happens if you miss a dose of Copegus
what happens if you overdose with Copegus
the most important information about Copegus
how to use Copegus
other drugs that may affect Copegus
what to avoid while using Copegus
 
Generic Name: ribavirin (oral) (rye ba VYE rin)
Brand Names: Copegus, Rebetol
 
What is the most important information I should know about ribavirin?
 •  copegusshould not be used alone in the treatment of hepatitis C. It should be used in combination with an interferon alfa product. When used by itself, copegusis not effective against the hepatitis C virus.
 •  copegusis in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. copegusshould not be used by women who are pregnant or by male partners of pregnant women. Treatment with copegusshould not be started until a negative pregnancy test has been obtained. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during treatment with copegusand for 6 months following the completion of treatment in women taking this medication and women partners of men being treated with this medication. Women who could become pregnant during treatment and men must use two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and during the 6-month period following treatment. A pregnancy test should be taken before starting treatment with ribavirin, every month during treatment, and every month for six months following treatment to make sure there is no pregnancy. Notify your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs.
 •  copegusmay cause anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can be dangerous, especially for patients who already have heart or circulatory problems. Your doctor will want to check your red blood cell count before starting treatment and periodically during treatment. Notify your doctor if you experience unusual tiredness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. These may be signs of low red blood cell counts. 
 •  Combination treatment with copegusand interferon alfa may cause mental health problems such as depression, suicidal behavior, and psychosis (loss of contact with reality such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there). In general, these feelings and behaviors stop after treatment is stopped. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening mental health problems.

What is ribavirin?
 •  copegusis an antiviral medication. The exact way that copegusworks is unknown.
 •  copegusis used in combination with an interferon alfa product to treat chronic hepatitis C in patients with compensated liver disease who have not previously been treated with alfa interferon or who have relapsed following alfa interferon therapy.
 •  copegusmay also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ribavirin?
 •  Do not take copeguswithout first talking to your doctor if you have
      · a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack
      · a hemoglobin disorder such as anemia (low red blood cell count), thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), or sickle-cell anemia
      · pancreatitis
      · kidney problems
      · liver problems (other than hepatitis C infection)
      · mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
      · a history of organ transplant
      · thyroid disease
      · current or history of alcoholism or drug abuse or addiction
      · cancer
      · infection with hepatitis B virus and/ or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS)
      · diabetes or
      · past interferon treatment for hepatitis C virus infection that did not work for you.
 •  You may not be able to take copegusor you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  copegusis in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. copegusshould not be used by women who are pregnant or by male partners of pregnant women. Treatment with copegusshould not be started until a negative pregnancy test has been obtained. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy during treatment with copegusand for 6 months following the completion of treatment in women taking this medication and women partners of men being treated with this medication. Women who could become pregnant during treatment and men must use two reliable forms of birth control during treatment and during the 6-month period following treatment. A pregnancy test should be taken before starting treatment with ribavirin, every month during treatment, and every month for six months following treatment to make sure there is no pregnancy. Notify your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs.
 •  It is not known whether copeguspasses into breast milk. Because it may harm a nursing baby, breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with ribavirin.
 •  Side effects may be more likely to occur in people over the age of 65 treated with ribavirin. A lower dose or special monitoring may be required.

How should I take ribavirin?
 •  Take copegusexactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
 •  copegusshould not be used alone in the treatment of hepatitis C. It should be used in combination with an interferon alfa product. When used by itself, copegusis not effective against the hepatitis C virus.
 •  Take the copegustablets and capsules with a full glass of water.
 •  To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the copegussolution with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
 •  Take the medication twice a day in the morning and evening as directed by your doctor. It is recommended that copegusbe taken with food. However, copeguscan be taken with or without food. It should be taken the same way every day (e.g., with food or without food).
 •  Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration during treatment with copegusby drinking several extra glasses of fluid each day. Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness.
 •  It is important to follow your dosing schedule and your health care providers instructions on how to take your medicines.
 •  Take the medicine for as long as it is prescribed and do not take more than the recommended dose.
 •  It is important to take copegusregularly to get the most benefit.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with copegusto monitor progress and side effects.
 •  Treatment with copegusdoes not prevent spread of the hepatitis C virus to other people. Follow your healthcare providers instructions regarding minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.
 •  Store copegustablets and capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
 •  The copegusoral solution can be stored at room temperature, away heat and light, or in the refrigerator.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  If you miss a dose of ribavirin, take the missed dose as soon as possible during the same day. If an entire day has gone by, check with your health care provider about what to do. Do not double the next dose.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
 •  Symptoms of a copegusoverdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking ribavirin?
 •  Do not drink alcohol during treatment with copegusunless otherwise directed by your doctor.
 •  Do not take other prescription or nonprescription drugs, including herbal products during treatment with copeguswithout first talking to your doctor.
 •  Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration during treatment with copegusby drinking several extra glasses of fluid each day. Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. copegusmay cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Treatment with copegusdoes not prevent spread of the hepatitis C virus to other people. Follow your healthcare providers instructions regarding minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.

What are the possible side effects of ribavirin?
 •  Stop taking copegusand seek emergency medical attention or call your doctor immediately if you experience
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · chest, arm or neck pain
      · trouble breathing or increased cough
      · severe stomach pain or low back pain
      · black or bloody bowel movements (may look like black tar)
      · unusual bruising or bleeding
      · changes in vision
      · fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or
      · worsening symptoms of psoriasis.
 •  copegusmay cause anemia, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This can be dangerous, especially for patients who already have heart or circulatory problems. Your doctor will want to check your red blood cell count before starting treatment and periodically during treatment. Notify your doctor if you experience unusual tiredness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. These may be signs of low red blood cell counts. 
 •  Combination treatment with copegusand interferon alfa may cause mental health problems such as depression, suicidal behavior, and psychosis (loss of contact with reality such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there). In general, these feelings and behaviors stop after treatment is stopped. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening mental health problems.
 •  Other less serious side effect may be more likely to occur. Continue to take copegusand talk to your doctor if you experience
      · fatigue or tiredness
      · nausea or decreased appetite
      · thinning of the hair
      · rash or itching or
      · insomnia or restlessness.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ribavirin?
 •  Before taking ribavirin, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, and do not start taking any other medicines during treatment without first talking to your doctor. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.