Generic
Ribavirin
Indications
Ribavirin is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection in combination with other antiviral drugs in patients with compensated liver disease not previously treated with interferon alpha and in adult CHC patients coinfected with HIV. Ribavirin should not be used alone.
Contraindications
Women who are pregnant. Ribavirin may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Ribavirin is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Patients with hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia major or sickle-cell anemia). In combination with didanosine. Reports of fatal hepatic failure, as well as peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis and symptomatic hyperlactatemia/lactic acidosis have been reported in clinical trials.
Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions in adults receiving combination therapy are psychiatric and central nervous system effects, severe ocular disorder, dental and periodontal disorders & growth inhibition in children and adolescents that may be irreversible in some patients. The most common adverse reactions in pediatric subjects were similar to those seen in adults.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy Category X. Ribavirin produced significant embryocidal and/or teratogenic effects in all animal species in which adequate studies have been conducted. Malformations of the skull, palate, eye, jaw, limbs, skeleton and gastrointestinal tract were noted. The incidence and severity of teratogenic effects increased with escalation of the drug dose. Survival of fetuses and offspring was reduced. Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether Ribavirin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and to avoid any potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ribavirin, a decision should be made either to discontinue nursing or therapy with Ribavirin, based on the importance of the therapy to the mother.
Therapeutic
Hepatic viral infections (Hepatitis C)
Storage Conditions
Keep out of the reach of children. Keep in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.
Over The Counter Products
