Rebetol

Maker:
Schering, Merck

What it does:
In combination with Intron-A or PegIntron, treats chronic hepatitis C infection

Traditional dosage:
800 to 1,400 mg daily, based on patient’s weight, by oral solution, taken with food. Capsule version no longer manufactured. Usually prescribed in combination with PegIntron.

Drug interactions, precautions, & recommendations:
Do not take if you use Videx or Videx EC; have cirrhosis or will be having a liver transplant; have autoimmune hepatitis, certain blood disorders, or severe kidney disease; or if you are pregnant or if you or your partner plan to become pregnant. Use caution when taking with NRTIs such as Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Retrovir, or Trizivir.

Side effects:
Most serious: severe eye, lung, or blood problems; pancreatitis; severe depression, anorexia, homicidal, or suicidal thoughts; fetal death, birth defects, or pediatric growth inhibition; skin problems (some fatal); anemia.

Other: dental problems caused by dry mouth, less serious mood changes, flu-like symptoms, headache, fever, stiffness, injection site reaction, neutropenia