Copegus
Copegus is indicated for chronic hepatitis C to mitigate viral loads, utilized to support liver health and to address disease progression.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Ribavirin
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 100mg
You will receive a quality generic equivalent, depending on stock.
Prescription rules on Copegus vary by country.
Copegus details
- Condition
- Chronic Hepatitis C
- Alternative names
- Rebetol
- Therapeutic class
- Antiviral
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleoside Analogue
- Contraindications
- pregnancy; severe heart disease; severe renal impairment; haemoglobinopathies
- Minor side effects
- fatigue; headache; insomnia; nausea
- Moderate side effects
- anaemia; dry skin; rash
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Originator
- Roche
- Onset Time
- 1–2 hours
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store at room temperature below 30°C.
- Drug interactions
- didanosine; azathioprine; stavudine
- Age restrictions
- Adults.
Precautions and warnings
requires strict pregnancy prevention protocols for both sexes; monitor blood counts regularly; risk of haemolytic anaemia
Serious side effects
haemolytic anaemia, requires immediate medical attention; severe depression, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Copegus is indicated for chronic hepatitis C to mitigate viral loads, utilized to support liver health and to address disease progression.
Mechanism of action
Copegus acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent. It interferes with the replication of viral RNA by mimicking natural nucleosides, thereby preventing the virus from effectively multiplying within the liver cells.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Strict contraindication. Must not be used during pregnancy. Breastfeeding: Avoid use.
What you will receive
Copegus is the originator brand name, made by Roche. We use it here to identify the medicine only; we are not affiliated with Roche and do not ship the original Copegus.
- You receive a generic equivalent: the same active ingredient (Ribavirin) at the same dose, mostly recognised Indian branded generics from vetted manufacturers.
- The exact brand supplied depends on what is in stock at the dispatching warehouse.
- A regulated generic matches the original ingredient for ingredient by legal standard.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Copegus
Copegus is a brand of ribavirin, used in the management of chronic hepatitis C. The same active ingredient is also sold under the brand name Rebetol. Tablets are available in the 100mg strength, provided to support therapeutic care.
Copegus availability in Asia
Copegus is registered across 14 markets including Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, with availability also in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. Generic ribavirin, much of it made in India, is far more affordable than the original brand, offering a practical solution for expats and people far from a well stocked pharmacy. While these options help maintain consistent care, this medication is best used under a doctor’s observation.