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Compare Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

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

Key takeaways

Zepatier (elbasvir/grazoprevir) and Rebetol (ribavirin) are both antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C. However, they differ in several ways. Zepatier is a combination medication specifically approved for hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4, while ribavirin is used for chronic hepatitis C and can also be used in people with HIV coinfection. Zepatier is taken as one tablet once a day, whereas ribavirin is taken in two divided doses based on body weight. Zepatier is not available in a generic form, while ribavirin is, so ribavirin may be more affordable. Common Zepatier side effects include fatigue and headache, while ribavirin can cause more severe side effects like anemia and vision problems. Zepatier should not be used in people with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems, and ribavirin must be used with other antivirals, as it is not effective on its own. Additionally, ribavirin can harm an unborn baby, so it is important to use birth control during and after treatment.

  • Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)
  • Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir)
    Ribavirin (Rebetol)

  • Summary of Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

    Summary for Antiviral Combo
    Prescription only

    Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) is a combination medication containing two antiviral medications, elbasvir and grazoprevir. It's one of the first choice treatment options for hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 4.

    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 Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

    Pros and Const for Antiviral Combo
    Pros
    •1 tablet once a day is a full regimen for some people and can cure hepatitis C
    •Doesn't interact with stomach acid medications like Epclusa and Harvoni
    •Can be taken by people with kidney problems, even those on hemodialysis
    •Usually has mild side effects
    •Good option for people taking amiodarone, since it doesn't contain sofosbuvir which can cause slow heartbeat
    Cons
    •Doesn't treat all the types of hepatitis C like other antiviral combos such as Epclusa or Mavyret
    •People with hepatitis C type 1 need to have resistance testing before starting therapy
    •Can't be used in people with cirrhosis or moderate to severe liver problems
    •Some people who have hepatitis B and C have had their hepatitis B come back after taking hepatitis C treatment
    •Some people need to take Zepatier (elbasvir / grazoprevir) with an antiviral medication called ribavirin, which can have a lot of side effects
    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 Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fatigue (11%)
    •Headache (10%)
    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 Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

    Common Side Effects for
    •HEPATITIS B REACTIVATION
    •CHANGE IN LIVER TESTS
    •RIBAVIRIN RISKS
    •MEDICATION INTERACTIONS
    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 Zepatier vs. Ribavirin

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