Ribavirin

Uses

Precaution

Side Effects

Handling

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Uses

What is Ribavirin 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.

How should I take or use Ribavirin?

Ribavirin should be taken orally. Take with food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Ribavirin?

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.

Precaution

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Ribavirin?

Ribavirin may reduce efficacy of an influenza vaccine

Ribavirin may increase toxicities of azathioprine

Side Effects

What are some common side effects of Ribavirin?

Flu-like signs
Constipation or diarrhoea
Headache
Feeling tired or weak
Not able to sleep
Anemia

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Sign of an allergic reaction e.g. rash, itching, swollen, trouble breathing.
Sign of a pancreas problem e.g. very bad stomach pain, back pain, throwing up
Change in eyesight
Feeling confused or having suicidal thoughts
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.
Signs of infection

Handling

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

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What else should I know about Ribavirin?

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.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, and Watsons), and the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.