Generic name: ribavirin (oral) [ RYE-ba-VYE-rin ]
Brand names: Copegus, Moderiba, Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab
Dosage forms: oral capsule (200 mg); oral solution (40 mg/mL); oral tablet (200 mg; 200 mg-400 mg; 400 mg; 400 mg-600 mg; 600 mg)
Drug classes:Inhaled anti-infectives, Purine nucleosides
What is ribavirin?
Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C.
Ribavirin is not effective when used alone. ribavirin must be used in combination with interferon alfa or peginterferon alfa.
Ribavirin is sometimes given to people taking other antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C.
Ribavirin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use ribavirin if you have autoimmune hepatitis, moderate to severe kidney disease, a hemoglobin blood cell disorder, or if you take didanosine.
Ribavirin 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 ribavirin and for at least 6 months after the last dose.
Ribavirin is not effective when used alone and must be used in combination with an interferon.
In rare cases, ribavirin can cause fatal heart problems. Get emergency medical attention if you have chest pain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take ribavirin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
a hemoglobin blood cell disorder such as sickle-cell anemia or
MEDICAL DEPARTMENTS
CardiologyPediatricsDiabetes CarePre-natal CareUltrasound Echocardiogram
