Rebetol
Developed to alleviate viral proliferation and indicated to support treatment of chronic hepatitis infection.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Ribavirin
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 200mg
Rebetol details
- Condition
- Chronic Hepatitis C
- Alternative names
- Copegus
- Therapeutic class
- Antiviral
- Pharmacological class
- Nucleoside Analogue
- Contraindications
- pregnancy; severe cardiac disease; haemoglobinopathies; severe renal impairment
- Minor side effects
- nausea; fatigue; headache; insomnia
- Moderate side effects
- anaemia; rash; cough; dyspnoea
- Dosage forms
- Capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Onset Time
- 1–2 weeks
- Duration
- Until treatment course completion
- Storage instructions
- Store in dry place.
- Drug interactions
- Didanosine; Stavudine; Zidovudine
- Age restrictions
- Use with caution in children.
Precautions and warnings
mandatory contraception for both genders during and after treatment; regular blood count monitoring required; maintain adequate hydration
Serious side effects
haemolytic anaemia, requires immediate medical attention; severe depression, requires immediate medical attention; pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Developed to alleviate viral proliferation and indicated to support treatment of chronic hepatitis infection.
Mechanism of action
Works as a nucleoside analogue that inhibits viral replication by interfering with RNA synthesis. When used in combination with interferon, it disrupts the viral lifecycle to reduce viral load.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Contraindicated; high risk of teratogenicity. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Rebetol
Rebetol is a formulation of Ribavirin, an antiviral medication used in the management of chronic Hepatitis C. The same active ingredient is also sold under the brand name Copegus. It is supplied as a 200mg tablet and is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme for patients addressing this condition.
Rebetol availability in Asia
Rebetol is registered for medical use across 14 markets, including Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, with availability also in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan. Generic Ribavirin, often produced in India, offers a consistent option for patients far from a well stocked local pharmacy. As with any complex antiviral treatment, this medication is best used under a doctor’s ongoing care to manage the therapy properly.