Ribavirin (inhalation)

Ribavirin (inhalation) is an antiviral medicine used to treat babies and young children who have severe lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Ribavirin (inhalation) may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Your child may have sudden breathing problems while using this medicine. Your child's lung function will be tested frequently.

Your child should not be treated with ribavirin if they are allergic to ribavirin (such as Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab).

This medicine is only for young children, but ribavirin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.

Ribavirin (inhalation) should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, or a man whose sex partner is pregnant.

Get emergency medical help if your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your baby will be closely monitored during treatment with ribavirin (inhalation). Any issues that arise during this time may need additional treatment from healthcare professionals.

Sudden breathing problems may happen. Inform your baby's caregivers immediately if your baby experiences any of these side effects:

• fever, cough;
• shallow breathing;
• limpness or severe weakness;
• wheezing, gasping for breath;
• blue-colored lips, cold and clammy skin;
• cough with mucus; or
• other worsening breathing problems.

While it may be unlikely, ribavirin (inhalation) could be released into the air in amounts that might cause side effects in people who are in close contact with the child receiving ribavirin. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these side effects while caring for the child:

• chest pain, shortness of breath;
• runny nose, sore throat;
• headache, dizziness;
• nausea;
• rash; or
• eye redness, watery eyes.

Some symptoms from exposure to airborne ribavirin in an adult may resemble those of an infection with respiratory syncytial virus. Report any new symptoms to the doctor right away.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

A healthcare provider will give your baby this medicine in a hospital.

Ribavirin inhalation is given with a machine that releases the medicine as an aerosol into an oxygen hood or tent, or a face mask. This allows your child to gently inhale the medicine over a long period of time.

Ribavirin inhalation is usually given for 12 to 18 hours per day for 3 to 7 days.

Small amounts of ribavirin may be released into the nearby air while this medicine is being given to your child. Anyone in close contact with the child may be exposed to ribavirin released into the air.

Your child's lung function will be tested often. The doctor may prescribe bronchodilator medication to help improve your child's breathing.

You may need to follow special precautions to avoid exposure to airborne ribavirin while your baby is being treated with this medicine. Carefully follow all directions about handling or being near your child.

Women who are able to become pregnant should avoid close contact with the child. Otherwise, take all safety precautions needed to reduce your exposure to ribavirin.

Being near a child who has RSV may increase your risk of becoming infected with the virus. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, hoarseness, and wheezing.

Ribavirin inhalation is for use only in babies and young children and should not be used by an adult.

Because your child will receive ribavirin (inhalation) in a clinical setting, a missed dose is not likely.

Since ribavirin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will happen.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions you should follow while taking care of a child receiving this medicine.

Your child's caregivers will take care of and keep track of all medications given to your child during treatment with ribavirin.

Do not give any medications to your child that have not been prescribed by your doctor. This includes vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.