RibaTab

Generic name:ribavirin (oral) [ RYE-ba-VYE-rin ]
Brand names: Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab
Drug classes:Inhaled anti-infectives, Purine nucleosides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 15, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is RibaTab?

RibaTab is an antiviral medication that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C.

RibaTab is not effective when used alone. RibaTab must be used in combination with interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa.

RibaTab is sometimes given to people taking other antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C.

RibaTab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use RibaTab if you have autoimmune hepatitis, moderate to severe kidney disease, a hemoglobin blood cell disorder, or if you take didanosine.

RibaTab can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine. Do not use if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant. Both men and women should use effective birth control while taking this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

RibaTab is not effective when used alone and must be used in combination with an interferon.

In rare cases, RibaTab can cause fatal heart problems. Get emergency medical attention if you have chest pain.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take RibaTab if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

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

• autoimmune hepatitis;

• moderate to severe kidney disease;

• if you are also taking didanosine; or

• if you are pregnant, or if you are a man whose sex partner is pregnant.

When you take RibaTab in combination with other medications: There may be other reasons you should not take the combination treatment. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a blood cell disorder such as anemia (low red blood cells);

• heart problems, high blood pressure, or heart attack;

• breathing problems;

• vision problems (you may need an eye exam before taking RibaTab);

• diabetes;

• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS) or a weak immune system;

• depression, mental illness, thoughts of hurting yourself or others;

• a thyroid disorder;

• kidney disease;

• an...