Interferon alfa-2b is made from human proteins that help the body fight viral infections.

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin are packaged together as a capsule and injection kit to treat chronic hepatitis C. These medications must be used together.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) or ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol), or if you have autoimmune hepatitis, severe liver or kidney disease, or a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia.

Do not use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you are pregnant, or if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.

Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.

Before using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, especially kidney disease, liver problems other than hepatitis, heart disease or high blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, eye problems, HIV or AIDS, a blood cell disorder, an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis, or a history of heart attack, stroke, organ transplant, depression, mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Also tell your doctor if you have ever used an interferon to treat hepatitis in the past and it did not work.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) or ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol), or if you have:

• autoimmune hepatitis;

• liver failure;

• severe kidney disease;

• a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia;

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; or

• if you are a man and your female sexual partner is pregnant.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin:

• lung disease;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• hepatitis B, or liver problems other than hepatitis;

• a thyroid disorder;

• uncontrolled diabetes;

• new or worsening problems with your eyes;

• cancer;

• HIV or AIDS;

• high cholesterol or triglycerides;

• heart disease or high blood pressure, history of heart attack, or stroke;

• history of organ transplant;

• any blood cell disorder causing bleeding episodes, infections, or fever-related illness;

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or psoriasis;

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors; or

• if you have ever used an interferon to treat hepatitis in the past and it did not work.

FDA pregnancy category X. Ribavirin is known to cause birth defects or death in an unborn baby. Do not use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before using this medication and every month during your treatment.

• If you are a woman, do not use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if you are pregnant.

• If you are a man, do not use interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin if your female sexual partner is pregnant. An unborn baby could also be harmed if a man fathers the child while he is taking ribavirin.

• Use at least 2 effective forms of birth control while either sexual partner is using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin. Keep using 2 forms of birth control for at least 6 months after treatment ends.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.

The powder form of interferon alfa-2b contains albumin, but the solution (liquid) form does not. Albumin comes from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.