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Compare Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Epclusa (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir) and ribavirin (Rebetol) are both antiviral medications used to treat chronic hepatitis C, but they have some key differences. Epclusa is a combination of two antiviral drugs and is effective against all six types of hepatitis C, while ribavirin is usually used with other antivirals and is not effective on its own. Epclusa is typically taken once a day, whereas ribavirin must be taken twice a day with food. Ribavirin has a generic form available, which can make it more affordable. However, ribavirin has more severe side effects, such as anemia and potential harm to an unborn baby, and requires regular blood tests. Epclusa, on the other hand, has milder common side effects like headache and fatigue but can interact with many other medications.

  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)
  • Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)

  • Summary of Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Epclusa (sofosbuvir / velpatasvir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, sofosbuvir and velpatasvir, that's used to treat chronic hepatitis C in adults and children.

    Summary for Antiviral
    Prescription only

    Ribavirin (Rebetol) is an antiviral medication used with other antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection. It has a lot of side effects, so it's usually reserved for people with harder-to-treat chronic hepatitis C infection.

  • Indications of Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

    Indications for
    •Chronic hepatitis C infection
    Indications for
    •Chronic hepatitis C infection
    •Chronic hepatitis C with HIV coinfection (tablets only)

  • Pros and Cons of Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Treats all 6 types of hepatitis C
    •Most people only have to take one pill once a day for 12 weeks
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Most common side effects are usually mild, such as fatigue and headache
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications including those used for heartburn
    •Not a good option for people taking amiodarone (Pacerone) because the combination can cause slow heart rate
    •Some people with severe liver problems who have chronic hepatitis C may need to take it with another antiviral medication called ribavirin
    •Can reactivate the hepatitis B virus if you have a history of hepatitis B infection
    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    •Higher chance of cure when added to other antiviral medications for hard-to-treat chronic hepatitis C
    •Available as generic which can be more affordable
    •Can be used in both children and adults
    •Treatment is usually shorter than 1 year.
    Cons
    •Must be taken two times every day with food
    •Can cause low red blood cells and is not a good choice for people with a history of heart problems
    •Can harm an unborn baby and can't be used in pregnant women or male partners of women who can become pregnant
    •Not effective if used by itself; must be combined with other antivirals

  • Common Side Effects of Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fatigue
    Common Side Effects for

    In clinical trials ribavirin (Rebetol) was always given with another medication called interferon. It's possible that many of these side effects were caused by interferon.

    •Headache
    •Fever
    •Muscle aches
    •Tiredness or weakness
    •Shaking chills
    •Nausea
    •Changes in mood, feeling more irritable
    •Vomiting
    •Not feeling as hungry

  • Warnings of Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hepatitis B reactivation
    •Slow heart rate
    •Ribavirin risks
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •HARM TO UNBORN BABY
    •LOW RED BLOOD CELLS
    •RIBAVIRIN ALONE
    •PANCREATITIS
    •DENTAL PROBLEMS
    •BREATHING PROBLEMS
    •INTERACTIONS WITH AZATHIOPRINE
    •CHANGES IN LABS
    •WEIGHT AND HEIGHT IN CHILDREN
    •VISION PROBLEMS

  • Prices with our coupons for Epclusa vs. Ribavirin

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    Learn more about Ribavirin

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