Generic Rebetol

Common use

Main component of antiviral drug Rebetol is Ribavirin. It is used in combination with interferon drugs Intron A or PEG-Intron to treat chronic hepatitis C. Rebetol inhibits the replication of new virions, selectively inhibits synthesis of viral RNA, it does not suppress synthesis of RNA in a normal cells. Rebetol is the most effective against: herpes simplex virus, virus of smallpox, influenza viruses A and B, paramyxovirus (parainfluenza, mumps, Newcastle disease), reovirus, oncogenic RNA viruses.



Dosage and direction

Make sure you drink plenty of water while taking Rebetol, especially with your first intakes of the medication. Treatment continues for 24-48 weeks. To treat hepatitis C take Rebetol orally with food and full glass of water. Do not chew the tablet, swallow it whole. Recommended dose of Rebetol is 1-1.2 g a day divided in two for morning and evening intakes.



Precautions

Rebetol is may cause a significant risk of serious harm to developing infants and abnormalities in a man's sperm, be very attentive using contraception medications. At least two forms of birth control during treatment and for six months afterwards are required.



Contraindications

Rebetol is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the components of Rebetol, in pregnant and breastfeedign women, in patients with chronic heart failure, myocardial infarction, kidney or liver failure, severe anemia, decompensated cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases, incurable thyroid disease, severe depression with suicidal intentions, children and adolescents under 18. Cautiousness should be exercised in patients with decompensated diabetes mellitus, pulmonary embolism, heart failure, thyroid disease (including hyperthyroidism), impaired clotting, thrombophlebitis, myelosuppression, haemoglobinopathy (thalassemia, sickle cell anemia), depression, suicidality (also in history).



Possible side effect

The most serious adverse reaction to Rebetol is anemia. Other side effects include: blood disorders, fever, hair loss, depression, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, nausea, shortness of breath, joint or muscle pain, weight loss. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any serious manifestation of the side effects listed above.



Drug interaction

Concomitant use with other antiviral drugs such as zidovudine (Retrovir), zalcitabine (Hivid) or stavudine (Zerit), may cause lactic acidosis. Medications which contain Mg2+ É Al3+, and also simethicone decrease absorption of Retrovir. Retrovir suppresses effects of zidovudine. In the patients with HIV infection concomitant treatment with Retrovir, zidovudine and stavudine leads to HIV viremia (a condition where viruses get into the bloodstream and can affect the rest of the body) and requires change of treatment.



Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.



Overdose

If you suppose that took too much of this medication seek immediate medical attention. There is no information about adverse effects of Rebetol overdose.



Storage

Rebetol should be stored at room temperature between 2-8 C (36-46 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)