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Ribavirin

Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine in the nucleoside analogue class. It is used for chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Medicine containing Ribavirin

Copegus

Chronic Hepatitis C

100mg

Copegus contains ribavirin and is a film-coated tablet used in the management of chronic hepatitis C. It comes in one strength, with pack sizes available. You see the price per tablet for each option.

FromUS$4.86/ tabletView

Key points

  • Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue antiviral.
  • Haemolytic anaemia is the main clinical toxicity and can worsen heart disease.
  • It interacts with didanosine, azathioprine and stavudine.

What it is used for

Ribavirin is used for chronic hepatitis C. It is given with another medicine, such as an interferon. Ribavirin will not treat hepatitis C unless it is taken with another medication.

How it works

Ribavirin mimics natural nucleosides. It interferes with replication of viral RNA, so the virus cannot multiply effectively in liver cells. Its onset is 1–2 hours and its duration is about 24 hours.

Forms and brands

Ribavirin is supplied as film-coated tablets. Copegus 100 mg film-coated tablets contain ribavirin. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety and interactions

Ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnancy, severe heart disease, severe renal impairment and haemoglobinopathies. Patients with significant or unstable cardiac disease should not receive it. Strict pregnancy prevention is required for both sexes; pregnancy must be avoided during therapy and for six months after completion in female patients and female partners of male patients. Breastfeeding should be avoided. Blood counts need regular monitoring, and haemolytic anaemia is a risk. Serious side effects include haemolytic anaemia and severe depression; both need immediate medical attention. Other side effects include fatigue, headache, insomnia, nausea, anaemia, dry skin and rash. Interactions include didanosine, azathioprine and stavudine.

What the sources say

  • The DailyMed label describes ribavirin tablets for chronic hepatitis C in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a, including adults coinfected with HIV and patients with compensated liver disease not previously treated with interferon alfa. (DailyMed)
  • Ribavirin will not treat hepatitis C unless it is taken with another medication. (MedlinePlus)
  • Ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnant women and in male partners of pregnant women because of teratogenic and embryocidal effects seen in animal species. (DailyMed)

Further reading

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