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Compare Olysio vs. Ribavirin

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

Key takeaways

Simeprevir (Olysio) and ribavirin (Rebetol) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. However, they have several differences. Simeprevir is an oral medication that was used in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, but it has been discontinued due to the availability of newer treatments. Ribavirin, on the other hand, is still available and is used with other antivirals for chronic hepatitis C, including cases with HIV coinfection. Ribavirin is available in generic form, which can be more affordable, and is used in both children and adults. Ribavirin has a range of side effects, including anemia and potential harm to an unborn baby, requiring careful monitoring and use of birth control. Ribavirin is taken twice daily and has some serious interactions, such as with azathioprine, which can lead to serious blood disorders.

  • Olysio (simeprevir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)
  • Olysio (simeprevir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)

  • Summary of Olysio vs. Ribavirin

    Summary for Antiviral

    Olysio (simeprevir) is an oral medication that was used with other medications to treat hepatitis C. It is no longer available and has been replaced by newer antiviral medications.

    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 Olysio vs. Ribavirin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Olysio vs. Ribavirin

    Pros and Const for Antiviral
    Pros
    Cons
    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 Olysio vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    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 Olysio vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    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 Olysio vs. Ribavirin

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    Learn more about Ribavirin

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