Ribavirin

Ribavirin: an effective medicine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Ribavirin is an antiviral drug widely used to treat chronic hepatitis C. It is produced in Russia, including the Shchelkovo Vitamin Plant, and is part of the pharmacological group of nucleosides.

The drug is available in various dosage forms, including 200 mg tablets. Its active substance is ribavirin. Ribavirin is also known under various synonyms, such as Arviron, Vero-Ribavirin, Virazol, Rebetol, Ribavirin Meduna, Ribavirin-Bio, Ribavirin-Verte, Ribamidil, Ribapeg, Trivorin.

Indications for the use of Ribavirin include the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. It is recommended to use it in combination with interferon alpha. The drug is recommended for use in primary patients who have not previously received alpha-interferon treatment, in patients with confirmed chronic hepatitis C, as well as during exacerbation after a course of alpha-interferon monotherapy and in patients who do not respond to alpha-interferon monotherapy.

However, there are some contraindications to the use of Ribavirin. The drug is not recommended for patients with chronic heart failure IIB - III degree, myocardial infarction, chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min), anemia, severe liver dysfunction (including decompensated cirrhosis), autoimmune diseases (including autoimmune hepatitis), treatable thyroid diseases, severe depression with suicidal intentions, pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons with hypersensitivity to ribavirin and other components of the drug. The use of Ribavirin is also not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Side effects may occur when using Ribavirin. Some of them include hemolytic anemia, dyspnea, cough, sleep disturbances, exanthema. Less commonly, flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache and joint pain, weight loss, nausea, hair loss and depression. Rarely observed dysfunction of the thyroid gland, allergic reactions, increased activity of liver enzymes, decreased concentration of hemoglobin and platelets in the blood, dry skin and mucous membranes, increased fatigue, irritability.

The dosage and duration of treatment with Ribavirin should be determined by the physician depending on the characteristics of the patient and the severity of the disease. The drug is usually taken orally after meals. The course of treatment can range from 24 to 48 weeks.

It is important to note that the information provided by me is current based on my knowledge, which was updated in September 2021. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist for more up-to-date information about Ribavirin and its use in treating chronic hepatitis C.