Ribavirin Nebulizer Solution

What is this medication?

RIBAVIRIN (rye ba VYE rin) treats infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It works by limiting the spread of the virus inside the body. It belongs to a group of medications called antivirals. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Virazole

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Low blood counts, such as low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ribavirin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for inhalation through the mouth. It is given by your care team in a hospital setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as infants for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with the following:

• Didanosine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Abacavir
• Azathioprine
• Emtricitabine
• Lamivudine
• Stavudine
• Zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Visitors and others are at risk of exposure to this medication by breathing mist from the air. Talk to the care team for more information. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk with your care team before visiting a patient who is on this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication may cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.