Rebetol

What is it?

An anti-viral preparation available as capsules containing 200mg of tribavirin.

Medical Uses

Combined with other preparations for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Dosage

Adults, weighing less than 65kg, 2 capsules twice each day, as morning and evening doses; weighing 65 to 85kg, 2 capsules in the morning and 3 in the evening; weighing over 85kg, 3 capsules twice each day taken as morning and evening dose. Patient should Also, be given 1.5µg of peginterferon alfa-2b per kg of body weight each week or 3 mega-units of interferon alfa-2 to 3 times each week. Also, consult manufacturer's literature.

Special Care

Gout, heart attack, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure; ECG should be monitored before and during treatment. Drug should be stopped if thyroid or liver function abnormalities occur or in event of psychiatric disorders or acute allergic response. In women, ensure no pregnancy due to risk of teratogenic effects - women must use effective contraception. Risk of teratogenic effects in female partner of man receiving treatment. Patients should be warned of risks and tests for pregnancy carried out during course of treatment.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, serious heart disease, autoimmune diseases, chronic kidney failure, history of serious psychiatric disorders, haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia (inherited form of anaemia), thyroid disorders that are not under control.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs that inhibitnucleoside reverse transcriptase.

Known Side Effects

Thoughts of suicide, psychiatric disorders, anaemia, haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), high levels of uric acid in blood, thyroid disorders. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).