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Ribavirin

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Nucleoside Antiviral Copegus Adult

Ribavirin - What is it for

Ribavirin is an antiviral for the treatment of hepatitis C infection. It may also be used off label as treatment for certain community-acquired respiratory virus infections in immunocompromised patients.

Ribavirin - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Ribavirin cause?

  1. Flu-like signs

  2. Constipation or diarrhoea

  3. Headache
  4. Feeling tired or weak 
  5. Not able to sleep
  6. Anemia

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  1. Sign of an allergic reaction e.g. rash, itching, swollen, trouble breathing.
  2. Sign of a pancreas problem  e.g. very bad stomach pain, back pain, throwing up
  3. Change in eyesight
  4. Feeling confused or having suicidal thoughts
  5. Sign of bleeding e.g. throwing up blood, blood in the urine, black and tarry stools, bleeding from the gum, bruises without a reason or that get bigger.
  6. Signs of infection

Before taking Ribavirin , what precautions must I follow?

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Ribavirin ?

​Ribavirin may reduce efficacy of an influenza vaccine

Ribavirin may increase toxicities of azathioprine

Ribavirin - Dosage and How to Use

How should Ribavirin be used?

Ribavirin should be taken orally. Take with food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within 8 hours of your usual time to take ribavirin. If it is after 8 hours, skip the dose for that day. Take your ribavirin at the usual time the next day. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What should I do if I overdose?

Ribavirin - Handling

How should I handle Ribavirin safely?

Ribavirin - Storage

How should I store Ribavirin ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#Protect from light;#

How should I dispose of Ribavirin safely?

Ribavirin - Additional Information

​Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated. Not to be taken by pregnant women and male partners of women who are pregnant. Take care to avoid pregnancy during therapy and for 6 months after completion of treatment in both female patients and female partners of male patients on ribavirin therapy. At least 2 reliable forms of effective contraception must be utilized during this period.

  • Updated on 5/15/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Singapore General Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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