This drug can cause birth defects and genetic changes in the egg and sperm, conception should be avoided during therapy. Therapy requires close medical monitoring. Also unclear in action, ribavirin is also thought to inhibit viral reproduction. This medication is often used in combination with interferon. A recent study conducted in the United States found that 40 percent of people taking combination therapy did not have active HCV six months after therapy.
Ribavirin is a medication taken by mouth once a day.
The most common side effect is anemia and should be used cautiously in those with risk factors for heart disease. Other side effects include itching, coughing, muscle and joint pain. This drug can cause birth defects and genetic changes in the egg and sperm, conception should be avoided during therapy. However, it is only given to people for four months. On six month follow-up after use, studies have shown no active HBV in 40 percent of persons.