Treating chronic 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. Ribasphere capsules is an antiviral medicine. Exactly how it works to treat hepatitis C is not known.
Important safety information:
Ribasphere capsules may cause dizziness or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ribasphere capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Avoid drinking alcohol, including beer, wine, and liquor, because it could worsen liver disease.
At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment by men and women who take Ribasphere capsules and for 6 months after Ribasphere capsules is stopped. Men who take Ribasphere capsules should use a condom with spermicide as 1 of the 2 forms of birth control.
Women of childbearing potential who either take Ribasphere capsules or are sexual partners of men who take Ribasphere capsules must have a pregnancy test before therapy with Ribasphere capsules is started, monthly during therapy, and monthly for 6 months after Ribasphere capsules is stopped.
Children and teenagers who take Ribasphere capsules may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Ribasphere capsules closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood, aggression, anger, anxiety, nervousness, irritable behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Ribasphere capsules may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
Ribasphere capsules may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of teeth and gum problems. Proper dental care is important while you are taking Ribasphere capsules. Brush and floss your teeth carefully at least twice a day and visit the dentist regularly.
If vomiting occurs while you are taking Ribasphere capsules, be sure to rinse your mouth and clean your teeth afterwards.
Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Diabetes patients - Ribasphere capsules may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Lab tests, including pregnancy; complete blood cell counts; hemoglobin or hematocrit levels; heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, and lung function; and eye exams, may be performed while you use Ribasphere capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Ribasphere capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially anemia.
Ribasphere capsules may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Ribasphere capsules.
Use Ribasphere capsules with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Ribasphere capsules if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Ribasphere capsules is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ribasphere capsules.
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Ribasphere capsules side effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; loss of appetite; mild headache, nausea, or vomiting; sinus problems; tiredness; upset stomach; weakness or fatigue.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions ; changes in hearing, taste, or vision; chest pain; dark, tarry, or bloody stools; dark urine; decrease in the amount of urine; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; hair loss; joint pain; menstrual problems; mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, aggression, anger, anxiety, decreased concentration, depression, irritability, nervousness); muscle pain or weakness; numbness of an arm or leg; pale stools; prolonged nausea and vomiting; rapid breathing; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe headache; severe or persistent diarrhea; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe tiredness, weakness, or fatigue; weight loss; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Dailymed."Ribavirin: dailymed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the united states. dailymed is the official provider of fda label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
Can Ribasphere capsules be stopped immediately or do I have to stop the consumption gradually to ween off?
In some cases, it always advisable to stop the intake of some medicines gradually because of the rebound effect of the medicine.
It's wise to get in touch with your doctor as a professional advice is needed in this case regarding your health, medications and further recommendation to give you a stable health condition.
Who should not take Ribasphere capsules?
Some medical conditions may interact with Ribasphere capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you have a female sexual partner who is of childbearing age
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of cancer, heart problems or a heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, pancreas problems, lung or breathing problems, sarcoidosis, blood problems (eg, anemia, spherocytosis), stomach or bowel bleeding, thyroid problems, HIV infection or other immune system problems, or eye or vision problems
if you have liver problems other than hepatitis C infection (eg, hepatitis B infection), cirrhosis of the liver, or decreased liver function
if you have a history of anxiety or other mood or mental disorders (eg, depression), thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behavior
if you have used interferon before to treat hepatitis C and it did not work
if you had an organ transplant
if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ribasphere capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Didanosine or other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, lamivudine), other antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection, or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because serious side effects, including risk of infection, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, bone marrow suppression, lactic acidosis, and severe or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Ribasphere capsules
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or certain NRTIs (eg, lamivudine, stavudine, zidovudine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ribasphere capsules
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ribasphere capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How should I take Ribasphere capsules?
Use Ribasphere capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Ribasphere capsules comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Ribasphere capsules refilled.
Take Ribasphere capsules by mouth with food.
Swallow Ribasphere capsules whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Ribasphere capsules is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
Taking Ribasphere capsules at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Take Ribasphere capsules on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Continue to use Ribasphere capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Ribasphere capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ribasphere capsules.
Can Ribasphere capsules be taken or consumed while pregnant?
Please visit your doctor for a recommendation as such case requires special attention.
Can Ribasphere capsules be taken for nursing mothers or during breastfeeding?
Kindly explain your state and condition to your doctor and seek medical advice from an expert.
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Reviews
Following the study conducted by gmedication.com on Ribasphere capsules, the result is highlighted below. However, it must be clearly stated that the survey and result is based solely on the perception and impression of visitors and users of the website as well as consumers of Ribasphere capsules. We, therefore, urge readers not to base their medical judgment strictly on the result of this study but on test/diagnosis duly conducted by a certified medical practitioners or physician.
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