Ribivirine

Ribivirine (Copegus) can be used as part of a treatment plan for Hepatitis C. Along with Peginterferon, Ribivirine is used to assist with controlling the symptoms caused by Hepatitis C. There is usually a very detailed treatment plan in place in order for the patient to reduce symptoms and to enjoy a good quality of life.

What is Ribivirine Used for?

While the use of Ribivirine is very useful when it comes to treating the symptoms of Hepatitis C, it isn’t a cure for it. The medicine may need to be taken for a long time in order for the patient to get the level of care they need. This should be carefully discussed and monitored with health care professionals. It isn’t understood how Ribivirine is able to help with the health problem, but it is quite successful.

Ribivirine Dosage & Administration

Due to the risk involved with a fetus or newborn from Ribivirine, women need to have a negative pregnancy test before it will be prescribed for them. Ribivirine needs to be taken at the same time every day for the best results. It should be taken with food to reduce the chance of nausea occurring. Increasing water and other fluids throughout the day is important, but all alcohol should be avoided.

The doctor will start the patient on a very low dose of Ribivirine to see how they do with it. Over time, the dose may need to be increased. Work closely with the doctor to be able to determine the best dose to get the health benefits but also to reduce the side effects. Never take more or less of Ribivirine than your doctor recommends. Never stop taking it without the consent of your doctor.

Ribivirine Side Effects & Precautions

Women who could become pregnant need to take precautions as the use of Ribivirine can harm the fetus/baby. Males who use Ribivirine shouldn’t have sexual intercourse with a female who is pregnant. Women who stop taking Ribivirine are strongly encouraged to wait at least 6 months before attempting to conceive.

Due to the risk of serious heart attack, those with heart problems shouldn’t use this medication. Anyone with pancreas issues or that has any type of blood disorder needs to talk to their doctor. It may be okay to take it depending on the situation and if the benefits are far higher than the risks.

Care needs to be given to those that have suicidal thoughts or that suffer from depression. The use of this medication can increase those thoughts of suicide. Such individuals need to be closely monitored when they are using this medication. It should only be given to them if the potential benefits are far greater than such risks.

There are some potential side effects that a person using Ribivirine could experience. They generally will subside after a few weeks of use. The higher the dose, the more likely side effects are to occur including:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sore gums
• Weaken immune system