As with that organization We accept no money from pharmaceutical companies. We are also getting political support from PWA Heal Group in New York.
Ribavirin is one of several drugs on the market that can cause serious birth defects.
A July 22 article in USA Today compared it to thalidomide, the morning sickness drug that caused thousands of babies to be born in the 1950' s and 1960's with flipper-like or missing arms and legs. Ribavirin has the potential to help many people treat a disabling chronic virus that destroys the liver. On the other hand, thalidomide is used to treat less serious conditions for which many treatments exist. We are always doing a risk versus benefits balancing act, and in the case of ribavirin, I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks when used as directed with proper precautions and monitoring. While doctors and patients welcomed Rebetron as a new addition to their anti-HCV drug arsenal, many are outraged at the way it was approved.