Side Effects

Chest soreness may occur. Redness/irritation of the eye or eyelid may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because the doctor has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell the doctor right away if your child has any serious side effects, including: pale/bluish skin around the mouth/lips/fingernails, worsening of breathing trouble, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.

Get medical help right away if your child has any very serious side effects, including: fainting, seizure.

This medication may rarely cause anemia, usually within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment is started. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of anemia such as unusual tiredness or fast/pounding heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?

The time it takes for Virazole to exert its antiviral effects can vary depending on the virus being treated and the severity of the infection. For RSV, improvement in clinical symptoms may be observed within a few days of starting treatment. In the context of hepatitis C treatment, the viral load begins to decrease within the first 1-2 weeks of therapy, but the duration of treatment typically extends over several months for sustained virological response.

How long do the effects of this medicine last?

The duration of Virazole’s effects depends on the condition being treated and the course of therapy. For RSV, treatment may last from 3 to 7 days, depending on the patient’s response. In hepatitis C treatment, ribavirin is used in combination with other antivirals for a period that can range from 12 to 48 weeks, depending on the specific HCV genotype and patient factors.

Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?

There are no direct interactions between Virazole and alcohol noted in the clinical literature. However, alcohol consumption is generally discouraged in patients with viral infections, especially hepatitis C, due to the potential for exacerbating liver damage. Patients being treated for hepatitis C with ribavirin and other antivirals are advised to avoid alcohol to optimize treatment outcomes and liver health.

Is this a habit forming medicine?

Virazole does not have a potential for abuse or habit formation. It does not exert euphoric effects or lead to physical or psychological dependence. Its use is medically indicated for specific viral infections and is not associated with recreational use or addiction.

Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?

Virazole is contraindicated in pregnancy and carries an FDA Pregnancy Category X designation. It has been shown to cause birth defects and fetal death in animal studies, and its use is associated with significant teratogenic risks. Women of childbearing age and their partners are advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the completion of therapy.

Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?

It is not known whether Virazole is excreted in human breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother’s health. Given the lack of specific safety data, caution is advised.

Uses

This medication is an anti-viral drug used to treat infants and young children who have a severe lung infection caused by a certain virus (respiratory syncytial virus-RSV). Nearly all children become infected with this virus before they are 3 years old. Most cases are mild and do not require anti-viral drugs. This medication is used to treat severe RSV infections that need treatment in a hospital. Ribavirin for inhalation is not recommended for use in adults.

How to use Virazole Vial For Nebulizer

This medication is given by a health care professional. It is given by continuous inhalation as directed by the doctor, usually for 12 to18 hours a day for 3 to 7 days. A special machine (small-particle aerosol generator) is used to make a mist, which is then inhaled through the mouth or nose.

Health care workers providing care to patients receiving this medication should learn all precautions for handling/giving this medication (such as wearing a mask, room ventilation). The manufacturer recommends that health care workers who are pregnant should consider avoiding direct care of patients using this medication. This medication must not be used during pregnancy since it may harm an unborn baby. Consult the manufacturer’s package or the hospital/occupational safety guidelines for details.

Warnings

Caution is advised when using this medication in people who are using a certain breathing device (ventilator). Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and care of the ventilator. Follow all directions from the manufacturer to prevent particle buildup in the device. Doing so will help the device work properly and may prevent serious side effects (such as air pressure buildup inside the lungs).

Rarely, sudden worsening of breathing problems may occur, especially when this medication is first started. If this occurs, treatment should be stopped. If you and the doctor decide to restart ribavirin treatment, the doctor will monitor closely to decrease the risk of side effects.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: certain HIV drugs (didanosine, stavudine, zidovudine).

Precautions

Before your child receives ribavirin for inhalation, tell the doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your child’s medical history, especially of: breathing disorders (such as asthma).

Before having surgery, tell the doctor or dentist about all the products your child uses (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This product is not usually used by adults. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this product.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as lung function, blood counts) should be done while your child is using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If a dose is interrupted or stopped, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.

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Virazole Vial For Nebulizer