Ribavirin is a substance that, combined with other specific remedies, such as alpha-interferon, is indicated for the treatment of hepatitis C.
This medicine should only be used on a doctor’s recommendation and can only be purchased with the presentation of a prescription.
- Ribavirin is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in adults and children over 3 years of age.
- In combination with other medicines for the disease and should not be used alone.
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The recommended dose varies depending on the age, the weight of the person and the medication used with ribavirin, so the dose should always be guided by a hepatologist.
Where there is no specific recommendation, the general guidelines state:
In the case of children, the dose should always be calculated by a pediatrician and the recommended average daily dose is 10 mg/kg body weight.
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with ribavirin are anemia, anorexia, depression, insomnia, headache, dizziness, decreased concentration, shortness of breath, cough, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, hair loss, dermatitis, itching, dry skin., muscle and joint pain, fever, chills, pain, fatigue, injection site reactions and irritability.
Ribavirin is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to ribavirin or one of the excipients, during lactation, in people with a history of severe heart disease, including unstable or uncontrolled heart disease, in the previous six months, people with severe or decompensated hepatic dysfunction and hemoglobinopathies..
Is the introduction of interferon therapy in patients co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV, cirrhosis and Child-Pugh scores contraeted?6.
In addition, the drug should not be used by pregnant women and should only be started after obtaining a negative pregnancy test result immediately prior to initiation of treatment.