RibaPak (ribavirin) Tablets
Hepatitis C is a viral disease primarily affecting the liver. It often becomes a chronic condition, potentially leading to severe complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The condition is challenging to manage, and achieving a complete cure is even more difficult. The diagnosis of Hepatitis C relies on the detection of antibodies produced by your body in reaction to the infection, a liver biopsy, and a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that quantifies the hepatitis C virus activity in your blood. Individuals can either be carriers of the virus or suffer from a continuous infection. The optimal timing and most effective method for treating Hepatitis C remains a subject of ongoing research.
Who should get tested for hepatitis C?
- Individuals who have previously injected illicit drugs, even if it was a one-time event or took place many years ago.
- Individuals who received treatments for clotting disorders using blood products made before 1987, prior to the advent of more sophisticated manufacturing techniques.
- Individuals who have been informed that they were given blood from a donor who later tested positive for Hepatitis C.
- Individuals who underwent a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992, before enhanced blood donor screening methods were implemented.
- Long-term patients undergoing hemodialysis.
- Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of liver disease, such as abnormal liver enzyme tests.
- Healthcare workers who have experienced exposure (e.g., via needle sticks or blood splashes to the eye) to HCV-positive blood while performing their duties.
- Children born to women who are HCV-positive.
Now just two tablets a day instead of up to six
- The first 400mg ribavirin tablets for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
- Up to 66% fewer tablets required than with Copegus (ribavirin, USP)
- Seven-day dose-at-a-glance package minimizes confusion
- Simpler to dose, convenient for patients—and cost-effective
RibaPak is therapeutically equivalent to Copegus
- Each RibaPak 400mg tablet is bioequivalent to two 200mg tablets of Copegus
- Each RibaPak 600mg tablet is bioequivalent to three 200mg tablets of Copegus
If you would like additional information, please contact Canadian pharmacy or Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals at 800.405.8506.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
The most serious possible side effects of RibaPak (ribavirin) are:
- Harm to unborn children. RibaPak (ribavirin) may cause birth defects or death of an unborn child.
- Anemia. Anemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells you have. Anemia can be dangerous, especially if you have heart or breathing problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel tired, have chest pain or shortness of breath. These may be signs of low red blood cell counts.
- Liver Problems. Some patients may develop worsening of liver function. Some of the symptoms may include stomach bloating, confusion, brown urine, and yellow eyes. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. They may be signs of a serious side effect of RibaPak (ribavirin) and peginterferon alfa-2a treatment.
- trouble breathing
- hives or swelling
- chest pain
- severe stomach pain or low back pain
- bloody diarrhea or bloody stools (bowel movements). These may look like black tar.
- bruising or unusual bleeding
- change in your vision
- high fever (temperature greater than 100.5∞F)
- you have psoriasis (a skin disease) and it gets worse
- you become very depressed or think about suicide (ending your life)
The most common side effects of RibaPak (ribavirin) are likely to be the same as for other ribavirin products. These are:
- feeling tired
- nausea and appetite loss
- rash and itching
- cough
These are not all the possible side effects of RibaPak (ribavirin) treatment. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist and see the PEGASYS Medication Guide.
HOW SUPPLIED
RibaPak (ribavirin) is available as tablets for oral administration.
| RibaPak Dose | Package Contents | |
| RibaPak 400 mg-400 mg |
400 mg AM 400 mg PM |
400 mg tablets (56) for 28 days |
| RibaPak 400 mg-600 mg |
600 mg AM 400 mg PM |
400 mg and 600 mg tablets (28 each) for 28 days |
| RibaPak 600 mg-600 mg |
600 mg AM 600 mg PM |
600 mg tablets (56) for 28 days |
Storage Conditions
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F)
[see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
- PEGASYS is a registered trademark of Hoffmann-La Roche
- REBETRON™ is a trademark of Schering Corporation
Please download the PACKAGE INSERT for complete prescribing information.
RibaPak is distributed by Canadian online pharmacy
If you would like additional information, please contact rrpcanada.org or Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals at 800.405.8506.
Please download the
PACKAGE INSERT
for complete prescribing information.