Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for RibaPak Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or discounted medicines and copay programs to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines. Eligibility requirements vary for each program.
Full Answer
What is ribavirin used for?
Ribavirin is used in combination with injectable interferon alfa-2b, peginterferon alfa-2a, or peginterferon alfa-2b to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. The combination of ribavirin and peginterferon alfa-2b is used to treat adults and children 3 years of age and older who show symptoms of liver damage. Ribavirin is an antiviral agent that treats hepatitis C virus.
Is ribavirin monotherapy safe?
Ribavirin monotherapy is ineffective for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection . The primary toxicity is hemolytic anemia, which may result in worsening of cardiac disease and fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions. Avoid use in patients with significant or unstable cardiac disease. Significant teratogenic and embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin. Ribavirin is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in male partners of women who are pregnant. Use 2 reliable forms of contraception and avoid pregnancy during therapy and for 6 months after completion of treatment in both female patients and in female partners of male patients who are taking ribavirin .
Can ribavirin be used in elderly?
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ribavirin in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving ribavirin.
