Ribavirin
Ribavirin is an antiviral tablet or capsule for chronic hepatitis C, always taken alongside an interferon medicine; PockDose lists Copegus 100mg tablets and Rebetol 200mg capsules.
Where ribavirin fits in hepatitis C treatment
Ribavirin is an antiviral in the nucleoside analogue class. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C, a long-term infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, and it is taken as one half of a combination — the other half is an interferon medicine such as peginterferon alfa. Ribavirin on its own will not clear the infection. Whether a course containing it cures hepatitis C or prevents the liver damage the virus can cause is not established. It has also been used for viral haemorrhagic fevers, illnesses that can cause bleeding.
How ribavirin is taken
Ribavirin is taken with food, once in the morning and once in the evening. Capsules are swallowed whole, because splitting, chewing or crushing them spoils the dose. A course usually runs 24 to 48 weeks, sometimes longer, with blood tests before and during treatment to follow both the virus and the blood count.
Copegus or Rebetol?
PockDose lists ribavirin twice. Copegus is a 100mg tablet and Rebetol a 200mg capsule, so a dose is counted in different numbers of units depending on which you choose; the strength that fits your course is the one to order. Both are in the antivirals category alongside the other hepatitis C medicines.
Side effects, and the red blood cells
Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, itching, dry skin, rash and thinning hair are the effects people notice most. The one that shapes a course is the fall in red blood cells: ribavirin commonly causes anaemia, and a low count is harder on a heart that is already strained. Unusual tiredness, pale skin, dizziness, a racing heartbeat, breathlessness and chest pain all point to a count that has dropped.
Pregnancy, other medicines and storage
Ribavirin can harm or kill an unborn baby, so pregnancy has to be avoided during treatment and for six months after the last dose, for female and male patients alike. Two combinations stand out: didanosine, an HIV medicine, and azathioprine, used for immune conditions, which together with ribavirin can cause severe blood problems. Store the pack dry and out of children's reach.
Sources
- Ribavirin: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus / U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Label: RIBAVIRIN tablet, film coated — DailyMed / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Can I order Ribavirin online in Hong Kong?
Ribavirin can be ordered online from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong. The page lists generic Copegus as 100mg tablets and generic Rebetol as 200mg capsules. An order can be cancelled within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support answers 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
How are Ribavirin prices shown?
Each of the two ribavirin products has its own price per pack, shown on its page in HKD or your selected currency; larger packs usually cost less per unit.
Does PockDose sell generic Rebetol?
Yes, generic Rebetol is listed here as 200mg capsules and contains ribavirin. Alongside it the page carries generic Copegus, 100mg tablets, so the two named versions differ in both form and strength.
What brand names does ribavirin have?
Copegus, Rebetol and Virazole are brand names of ribavirin, which is also sold as Vilona. Here, ribavirin can be bought online as generic Copegus and generic Rebetol. These are generics, not the original brand.
Does ribavirin cure hepatitis C on its own?
No. Ribavirin works by stopping the hepatitis C virus from spreading inside the body, and it is only used alongside an interferon medicine. Whether the combination cures the infection, or prevents the liver damage hepatitis C can cause, is not established.
Is ribavirin available as a liquid?
Ribavirin is also made as an oral solution for people who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. It needs a good shake before each dose, and the measuring cup or spoon should be washed after every use. PockDose carries the tablet and capsule forms only.
Does ribavirin affect the heart?
It can, indirectly. Ribavirin lowers the number of red blood cells, so the blood carries less oxygen than usual, and that is a bigger issue for a heart already working hard. A previous heart attack, heart disease, sickle cell anaemia or thalassaemia all make a falling blood count more serious.