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Compare Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

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

Key takeaways

Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir) and Rebetol (ribavirin) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. Harvoni is a combination medication that is a first-choice treatment for certain types of hepatitis C, while Rebetol is used with other antivirals for harder-to-treat cases. Harvoni is taken once daily, whereas Rebetol is taken twice daily with food. Harvoni is available as a generic and can be used in children as young as 3 years old, while Rebetol is also available as a generic and can be used in children, but it has more side effects. Common side effects of Harvoni include headache and tiredness, while Rebetol can cause anemia and serious side effects like vision problems and breathing issues. Harvoni interacts with medications like amiodarone and some HIV antiretrovirals, while Rebetol should not be used with azathioprine due to blood cell count issues. Harvoni is not recommended with heartburn medications, and Rebetol is not safe during pregnancy.

  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)
  • Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)

  • Summary of Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

    Summary for Antiviral Combo
    Prescription only

    Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi). It is a first-choice treatment option for hepatitis C for certain types of people.

    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 Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

    Indications for
    •Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6
    Indications for
    •Chronic hepatitis C infection
    •Chronic hepatitis C with HIV coinfection (tablets only)

  • Pros and Cons of Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

    Pros and Const for Antiviral Combo
    Pros
    •Taking the medication for 6 months or less is very effective against hepatitis C
    •Few side effects; most common are stomachache, tiredness, and headache
    •Can be used in children age 3 years or older
    •Available as a generic, which can be more affordable
    •Available as an oral pellet for people who can't swallow the tablet or need their dose lowered
    Cons
    •Heartburn and stomach acid-lowering medications can lower the amount of Harvoni (ledipasvir / sofosbuvir) in your body
    •Not a good option for people taking amiodarone, because the combination can cause slow heart rate
    •Doesn't treat all the types of hepatitis C like other antiviral combos, such as Epclusa or Mavyret
    •Interacts with some HIV antiretroviral medications
    •Some people who have hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B come back after taking hepatitis C treatment
    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 Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Fatigue or tiredness (13%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    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 Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •SLOW HEART RATE
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    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 Harvoni vs. Ribavirin

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    Learn more about Ribavirin

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