Ribasphere Ribapak (Oral)

Embryo-fetal Toxicity, Hemolytic Anemia, and Monotherapy Not RecommendedSignificant teratogenic and embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin. In addition, ribavirin has a multiple-dose half-life of 12 days and may persist in non-plasma compartments for as long as 6 months. Therefore, ribavirin therapy is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant. Avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception during therapy and for 9 months after completion of treatment in female patients and for 6 months in female partners of male patients who are taking ribavirin therapy.Hemolytic anemia has been reported with ribavirin therapy. The anemia associated with ribavirin therapy may result in worsening of cardiac disease that has led to fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions. Patients with a history of significant or unstable cardiac disease should not be treated with ribavirin.Ribavirin monotherapy is not effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection and should not be used alone for this indication .