Skip Navigation

AIDSInfo logo

 
Home > Drugs > Ribavirin

Ribavirin
rye-ba-VYE-rin   Audio

Brand Name: Virazole, Rebetol, Copegus  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Ribavirin, also known as Copegus, Rebetol, Virazole, or a component of Rebetron, is a type of antiviral medicine called a nucleoside analogue. This medicine blocks the ability of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to make more copies of itself. Ribavirin is not active against HIV.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Ribavirin is used in combination with interferon alfa-2a or -2b or peginterferon alfa-2a or -2b to treat HIV infected patients who are also infected with HCV. (See individual drug fact sheets for interferon alfa-2 and peginterferon alfa-2 for more information.)

Dosage Form/Administration
Ribavirin comes in capsule and tablet form and is taken by mouth. A solution for inhalation is used in hospitals for children with a life-threatening viral infection of the lungs.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine. Women who are pregnant and male partners of pregnant women should not take ribavirin.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, ribavirin may cause some unwanted effects. While not all of these side effects are known, ribavirin may cause anemia (a decrease in red blood cells). This may be dangerous in patients who have heart or breathing problems and may make heart or circulatory problems worse. Other side effects of ribavirin use include chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, headache, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and nausea. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Side effects with the use of inhaled ribavirin include skin irritation due to prolonged drug contact and skin rash. Health care workers who help in the administration of inhaled doses sometime may have headache and itching, redness, or swelling of the eyes. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Ribavirin.

Manufacturer Information
Ribavirin
  Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
  Valeant Plaza
  3300 Hyland Avenue
  Costa Mesa,  CA  92626
  (800) 548-5100
    

Virazole
  Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
  Valeant Plaza
  3300 Hyland Avenue
  Costa Mesa,  CA  92626
  (800) 548-5100
    

Rebetol
  Schering - Plough Corp
  2000 Galloping Hill Rd
  Kenilworth,  NJ  07033-0530
  (800) 526-4099
    

Copegus
  Roche Laboratories
  340 Kingsland Street
  Nutley,  NJ  07110
  (973) 235-5000
    
Updated February 12, 2007