Proper Use of This Medicine

To help clear up your infection completely, ribavirin must be given for the full time of treatment , even if you or your child begins to feel better after a few days. Also, ribavirin for inhalation works best when there is a constant amount in the lungs. To help keep the amount constant, ribavirin must be given on a regular or continuous schedule.

It is important that you read the patient information that comes with this medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

A negative pregnancy test is needed in women who are of childbearing age before starting treatment with oral ribavirin. Two forms of birth control must be used during oral ribavirin treatment and for six months after treatment ends.

Dosing—The dose of ribavirin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ribavirin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For the inhalation dosage form:
  • For treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection:
    • Adults and teenagers—Dose has not been determined since this medicine is not usually prescribed for teenagers or adults.
    • Infants and children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For the oral dosage form:
  • For the treatment of HIV infection:
  • For oral dosage forms (capsules):
    • Adults and children—Dose must be determined by your doctor
  • For oral dosage form (oral solution):
    • Adults and teenagers—Dose must be determined by your doctor. The oral solution form of this medicine is not usually prescribed for teenagers or adults
    • Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children— Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. The tablet form of this medicine is not usually prescribed for children