Ribavirin Capsules

Ribavirin capsules may cause serious birth defects and/or fetal death when used during pregnancy. It should not be used by women who are pregnant or by men whose female partners are pregnant. Women of childbearing potential who either take ribavirin capsules or are sexual partners of men who take ribavirin capsules must:

• have a negative pregnancy test immediately before therapy with ribavirin capsules are started.

• avoid becoming pregnant during therapy with ribavirin capsules or within the first 6 months after ribavirin capsules are stopped.

At least 2 reliable forms of effective birth control must be used during treatment with ribavirin capsules and for 6 months after treatment with ribavirin capsules are stopped. If you or your sexual partner becomes pregnant while taking ribavirin capsules or within 6 months after ribavirin capsules are stopped, contact your doctor right away.

Use of ribavirin capsules alone is not effective for treating chronic hepatitis C infection. Talk with your doctor.

Ribavirin capsules may cause serious blood problems (hemolytic anemia). This blood problem can worsen any heart problems you have and cause you to have a heart attack, which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems. Do not take ribavirin capsules if you have a history of serious or uncontrolled heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain while taking ribavirin capsules.