Ribavirin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Ribavirin is an antiviral. It is a prescription medicine used for hepatitis C, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and some other viral infections. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and capsules, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Ribavirin works

Ribavirin is a nucleoside analogue, a molecule that mimics one of the building blocks of viral genetic material. Inside infected cells it interferes with the way the virus copies its RNA, introducing errors and reducing the amount of new virus produced, which helps the other antiviral medicines clear the infection.

What is Ribavirin used for?

• Hepatitis C
• Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
• Some other viral infections

Ribavirin is an antiviral used together with other medicines, such as direct-acting antivirals or interferon, to treat chronic hepatitis C in selected patients; it is not used on its own for hepatitis C. In hospital it is also sometimes used for certain serious viral infections, such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever or severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in high-risk infants.

Side effects of Ribavirin

Side effects are fairly common during a course of Ribavirin. They include:

• Tiredness
• Anaemia (low red blood cells)
• Headache
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Itching or rash
• Difficulty sleeping or low mood

Get medical help promptly for breathlessness, chest pain, extreme tiredness or paleness, severe low mood or thoughts of self-harm, or a severe rash.

Precautions and warnings

• Ribavirin can cause serious birth defects, so pregnancy must be avoided in female patients and in the female partners of male patients, using two reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards.
• Regular blood tests are needed to check for anaemia and other effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney problems, a blood disorder such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia, or a history of depression.
• It must not be used while breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor about all other medicines, especially HIV medicines and azathioprine.

Frequently asked questions about Ribavirin

What is the price of Ribavirin in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Ribavirin products currently in stock range from Rs 192 to Rs 653 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Novia 400 mg Tablets at Rs 192. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Ribavirin are available in Pakistan?

Ribavirin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Ribazole (Getz Pharma Ltd Pharma), Novia (Hilton Pharma Ltd) and Ribascot (Scotman Pharmaceuticals).

Do I need a prescription for Ribavirin?

Yes. Ribavirin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Ribavirin be used during pregnancy?

Ribavirin can cause serious birth defects, so pregnancy must be avoided in female patients and in the female partners of male patients, using two reliable forms of contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards.

Are all Ribavirin brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Ribavirin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Ribavirin brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Ribavirin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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