Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is ribavirin. It helps treat chronic hepatitis C infections.  It may have other uses, too.

You should take your dose exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should take your dose with food. 

Most people will have side effects. You could feel a little dizzy. You should wait until you know how it affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. It is common to feel like you have the flu. For example, you may have a fever, a headache, achiness, tiredness, shakiness or nausea. Other common effects include feeling a little moody or irritable. Kids may have vomiting and a loss of appetite. You should talk to your doctor about which symptoms to watch for, and when to report them. He or she will help you manage them. Also, ribavirin can cause a dry mouth, so be sure to take care of your teeth.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With ribavirin, this includes low red blood cell counts. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests. Also, ribavirin can cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You should pay close attention to your mood, behavior, thoughts and feelings. Call your doctor right away if you notice any worrisome changes. 

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. You should not drink alcohol.

This medicine may cause birth defects or death of an unborn baby. Both MEN AND WOMEN who take ribavirin must talk to their doctors about which birth control to use, and for how long. 

For best results with ribavirin, be sure to read the Medication Guide for full information.