Pronunciation: RYE-ba-VIR-in
Generic Name: Ribavirin
Brand Name: Virazole
Sudden breathing problems have been associated with the use of Virazole Solution. Lung function will be closely monitored in patients using Virazole Solution. Contact your doctor right away if you notice your child having trouble breathing while using Virazole Solution.
Virazole Solution should only be used in children. It is not intended for use in adults.
Virazole Solution is used for:
Treating hospitalized infants and young children with severe lower respiratory tract infections due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Virazole Solution is a broad spectrum antiviral. Exactly how Virazole Solution works is not known.
Do NOT use Virazole Solution if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Virazole Solution
- you are pregnant or may become pregnant while using Virazole Solution
- you are taking didanosine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Virazole Solution:
Some medical conditions may interact with Virazole Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have lung or heart problems or you are taking an immunosuppressant medicine (eg, cyclosporine)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Virazole Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Didanosine, other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (eg, stavudine), or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of serious side effects, including nerve problems (eg, peripheral neuropathy), pancreas problems, bone marrow suppression, lactic acidosis, and sever or fatal liver failure, may be increased by Virazole Solution
- Digoxin because the risk of its side effects may be increased by Virazole Solution
- Zidovudine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Virazole Solution
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Virazole Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Virazole Solution:
Use Virazole Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Virazole Solution is administered in the hospital with a special nebulizer attached to an oxygen tent, a face mask, or a ventilator. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions that you have about Virazole Solution.
- Do not use Virazole Solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- If you miss a dose of Virazole Solution, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Virazole Solution.
Important safety information:
- Lab tests, including blood cell counts, lung function, heart function, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Virazole Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Virazole Solution if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Virazole Solution is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Virazole Solution.
Possible side effects of Virazole Solution:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Eye redness or irritation.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased trouble breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Virazole side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Virazole Solution:
Virazole Solution is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Virazole Solution at home, store Virazole Solution as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Virazole Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Virazole Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Virazole Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Virazole Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Virazole resources
- Virazole Side Effects (in more detail)
- Virazole Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Virazole Drug Interactions
- Virazole Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Virazole - Add your own review/rating
Compare Virazole with other medications
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
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