What is ribavirin?
Ribavirin is a prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Ribavirin is always used in combination with either interferon alfa-2b or peginterferon alfa-2a. HCV is an opportunistic infection. An opportunistic infection is an infection that occurs more frequently or is more severe in people with weakened immune systems—such as those infected with HIV—than in people with healthy immune systems.
The Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents, prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include recommendations on the HIV-related use of ribavirin to treat chronic HCV infection. In addition to recommendations for the medicine's use in treating chronic HCV infection, the guidelines include recommendations on the “off-label” use of ribavirin to treat acute HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals. “Off-label” use refers to use of an FDA-approved medicine in a manner different from that described on the medicine label. Good medical practice and the best interests of a patient sometimes require that a medicine be used “off-label.”
What should I tell my health care provider before taking ribavirin?
Before taking ribavirin, tell your health care provider:
- If you are allergic to ribavirin or any other medicines.
- About any medical conditions you have or have had, for example, diabetes or liver problems.
- About anything that could affect your ability to take medicines, such as difficulty swallowing or remembering to take pills.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ribavirin may cause birth defects or death of an unborn child. Pregnant women and men whose partners are pregnant should not use ribavirin. (Women should not become pregnant for 6 months after they stop taking ribavirin or for 6 months after their male partners stop taking ribavirin.)
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV.
- About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Ask your health care provider if there are interactions between ribavirin and the other medicines you take.
Ask your health care provider about possible side effects from ribavirin. Your health care provider will tell you what to do if you have side effects.
How should I take ribavirin?
Take ribavirin according to your health care provider’s instructions. Your health care provider will tell you how much ribavirin to take and when to take it. Before you start ribavirin and each time you get a refill, read any printed information that comes with your medicine.
How should ribavirin be stored?
- Store ribavirin tablets and capsules at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- Store ribavirin oral solution at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C), or in the refrigerator, between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Safely throw away ribavirin that is no longer needed or expired (out of date).
- Keep ribavirin and all medicines out of reach of children.
Where can I find more information about ribavirin?
More information about ribavirin is available:
Last Reviewed: September 27, 2012
Last Updated: September 27, 2012