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Ribavirin Coupon - Ribavirin 200mg tablet

ribavirin

Generic
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection, Hepatitis C
Used for Lower Respiratory Infection, Hepatitis C

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
ThienLy Neal, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 7, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
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What is Ribavirin (Rebetol)?

What is Ribavirin (Rebetol) used for?

  • Chronic hepatitis C infection

  • Chronic hepatitis C with HIV coinfection (tablets only)

How Ribavirin (Rebetol) works

Ribavirin (Rebetol) is an antiviral medication that stops viruses from making copies of themselves in the body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRebetol
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Ribavirin (Rebetol)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

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

Other Side Effects

  • Sweating
  • Hard time concentrating
  • Stomach pain
  • Infections
  • Change in taste
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, mouth, lips, or throat)
  • Severe stomach pain that spreads to your back along with nausea and vomiting (signs of pancreatitis)
  • Serious eye problems that can lead to loss of vision
  • Serious blood disorders that can lead to heart attacks
  • Serious lung infections
  • Worsening of depression or thoughts of harm to self or others

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Anxiety

black, tarry stools

body aches or pain

chest pain

congestion

cough or hoarseness

crying

depersonalization

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

discouragement

dry mouth

dryness of the throat

dysphoria

euphoria

feeling sad or empty

feeling unusually cold

fever or chills

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

hyperventilation

irregular heartbeats

irritability

joint pain

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

lower back or side pain

mental depression

muscle aches and pains

nausea

nervousness

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

paranoia

poor concentration

quick to react or overreact emotionally

rapidly changing moods

restlessness

right upper abdominal or stomach pain

runny nose

shaking

shivering

shortness of breath

sleeplessness

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sweating

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

trouble with concentrating

trouble with sleeping

trouble with swallowing

troubled breathing with exertion

unable to sleep

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

voice changes

vomiting

wheezing

Less common

Bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

constipation

depressed mood

dry skin and hair

feeling cold

hair loss

husky voice

muscle cramps and stiffness

pinpoint red spots on the skin

right upper abdominal or stomach fullness

slowed heartbeat

weight gain

Incidence not known

Blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

being forgetful

belching

blurred vision

bone pain

change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

cracked, scaly skin

crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

difficulty with moving

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

hair loss or thinning of the hair

heartburn

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

menstrual changes

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

rash

sensation of spinning

sneezing

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

stuffy nose

swelling

swollen joints

weight loss

Less common

Back pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

discharge, excessive tearing

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

Incidence not known

Change in hearing

loss of hearing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ribavirin (Rebetol)

thumbs-up

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.

thumbs-down

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ribavirin (Rebetol)

pharmacist

  • Take the capsules whole with food. Never open, crush, or break the capsules.

    • Ribavirin (Rebetol) is only effective in treating chronic hepatitis C when it's used with other medications. Don't take ribavirin (Rebetol) by itself.

      • Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. It is recommended to use 2 forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least 6 months after you stop the medication. Female partners of men taking ribavirin (Rebetol) should also not become pregnant during the same time period.

        • Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause a drop in red blood cells, which can be dangerous. Tell your provider right away if you notice fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain while taking ribavirin (Rebetol).

          • Make sure to get your blood test done regularly while taking this medication. Your provider will need to check things like your liver function, blood cell count, and the amount of hepatitis viruses in your body.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Ribavirin (Rebetol)

            Is ribavirin (Rebetol) an antibiotic?
            No, ribavirin (Rebetol) is an oral antiviral medication and is only used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. It can't be used for other types of infections.
            Can you drink alcohol while taking ribavirin (Rebetol)?
            It's not recommended to drink alcohol while taking ribavirin (Rebetol). It's not known if alcohol interacts with the medication, but alcohol and chronic hepatitis C can both damage the liver, which your healthcare providers would like to avoid.
            How long does ribavirin (Rebetol) stay in your system?
            Ribavirin (Rebetol) can stay in your system for up to 6 months. This means that side effects from ribavirin (Rebetol) might not go away right after you stop taking the medication.
            Why does ribavirin (Rebetol) cause anemia?
            Ribavirin (Rebetol) causes anemia by directly destroying red blood cells. This is different than other medications that may cause anemia by acting on the bone marrow.
            Can hepatitis C come back after taking ribavirin (Rebetol)?
            It's not likely that heptitis C will come back after successful treatment. Treatment of hepatitis C doesn't give you immunity, so it's possible to become reinfected. After treatment, it's important to continue to protect yourself from hepatitis C and not receive unsterile tattoos or share things like razors and needles.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Ribavirin (Rebetol)?

            Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            HARM TO UNBORN BABY

            • Risk factors: Pregnancy

              Ribavirin (Rebetol) can harm an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. This medication can stay in the body for up to 6 months after taking it. A female should not become pregnant if she or her male partner is taking ribavirin (Rebetol) and for 6 months after the completion of treatment. Use at least two different forms of birth control during this time. Your provider might require you to have a negative pregnancy test prior to starting this medication.

              risk-warning

              LOW RED BLOOD CELLS

              • Risk factors: History of heart disease and heart attacks

                Ribavirin (Rebetol) can damage red blood cells which can lead to anemia. This can lead to serious problems including heart attacks, especially if you have a history of heart problems. Let your provider know right away if you have any trouble breathing or chest pain while taking this medication. Your provider will order blood tests for you before starting ribavirin (Rebetol) and within 2-4 weeks of taking it to monitor your red blood cell levels.

                risk-warning

                RIBAVIRIN ALONE

                Taking ribavirin (Rebetol) by itself will not treat chronic hepatitis C infection. Ribavirin should always be used in addition to other antiviral medications.

                risk-warning

                PANCREATITIS

                Some people taking ribavirin (Rebetol) have experienced a condition called pancreatitis, where your pancreas becomes inflamed. Talk to your healthcare provider if you suddenly have severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

                risk-warning

                DENTAL PROBLEMS

                • Risk factors: Dry mouth

                  Some people have had dental problems while taking ribavirin (Rebetol), especially those who may experience dry mouth as a side effect of the medication. Make sure to thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and have regular visits to the dentist. If you vomit right after taking ribavirin (Rebetol), make sure to rinse out your mouth well afterwards.

                  risk-warning

                  BREATHING PROBLEMS

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause serious lung infections which can lead to breathing problems. If you experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing while taking this medication, let your provider know right away.

                  risk-warning

                  INTERACTIONS WITH AZATHIOPRINE

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) when combined with a medication called azathioprine can cause a decrease in blood cell count. This can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening blood disorders. You should get blood tests done before and during treatment to make sure that your blood cell count is within normal range.

                  risk-warning

                  CHANGES IN LABS

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) can affect your blood, liver, and other parts of your body. It's important to get regular blood tests done while taking this medication to make sure that you're healthy enough to continue with treatment. It's also necessary to check on the virus count to make sure that you are responding to treatment.

                  risk-warning

                  WEIGHT AND HEIGHT IN CHILDREN

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause weight loss and slow growth in children. These side effects typically go away once the medication is stopped. Talk to your child's healthcare provider if you're concerned with the effects of ribavirin (Rebetol) on your child's growth.

                  risk-warning

                  VISION PROBLEMS

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) can cause vision problems or worsen a current eye condition. You should get your eyes checked prior to starting this medication. Let your provider know if there are any changes to your vision while taking ribavirin (Rebetol).

                  dosage

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 168 tablets of 200mg of Ribavirin (Rebetol) is $210.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.44% off the average retail price of $710.44.
                  capsule
                  Capsule
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  200mg60 capsules$89.74$1.50
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  200mg168 tablets$210.00$1.25

                  Typical dosing for Ribavirin (Rebetol)

                  For chronic hepatitis C, in combination with interferon alfa-2b (capsule dosage form):

                  • Adults: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  • Children age 3 or older: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 15 mg/kg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  For chronic hepatitis C, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2b (capsule dosage form):

                  • Adults: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 800 mg to 1,400 mg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  • Children age 3 or older: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 15 mg/kg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  For chronic hepatitis C, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a (tablet dosage form):

                  • Adults: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 800 mg to 1,200 mg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  • Children age 5 or older: Dose is based on body weight. The dose is usually 400 mg to 1,200 mg by mouth per day, given in 2 divided doses.

                  For chronic hepatitis C with HIV coinfection, in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a (tablet dosage form):

                  • Adults: The dose is usually 800 mg by mouth per day.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Ribavirin (Rebetol) and other drugs

                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ribavirin (Rebetol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  • Interferon Alfa-2b
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Ribavirin (Rebetol)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ribavirin (Rebetol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Ribavirin (Rebetol)
                  Used for:

                  • Chronic hepatitis C infection

                  • Chronic hepatitis C with HIV coinfection (tablets only)

                  $89.74 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)
                  Used for:

                  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1, 2, 3, 4

                  $27895.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Viekira Pak
                  Used for:

                  • Hepatitis C infection genotype 1

                  View Prices
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                  Ribavirin (Rebetol) images

                  Pink Oblong 10 And F - Ribavirin 200mg Tablet
                  This medicine is Pink, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "F" And "10".Pink Oblong 10 And F - Ribavirin 200mg Tablet

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