Ribavirin for Hepatitis C User Reviews

• Hea...
• August 18, 2011

Copegus (ribavirin) "This new antiviral, used exclusively with pegylated interferon, is a godsend for people with genotype 2 HCV. My wife got the virus in a blood transfusion back in the late '80s or early '90s. She went through the old interferon therapy without ribavirin, and it is back. I contracted the virus from her, had little hope, but I have been RNA negative in all blood tests since the second month of treatment. With the help of support groups, I've been able to manage most of the mean side effects. The trade-off is very much worth it."

• Wil...
• May 4, 2016

"I was on pegylated interferon/ribavirin for 50 weeks in 2010. I developed anemia throughout the treatment, but it was not severe. I would cry at the drop of a hat, had severe fatigue and body pains. Six years later, I still have fatigue and muscle/bone pain. I have not been able to work. I'm exercising, but very minimal (walk less than a block) and cannot increase it due to being laid up for the next few days. I've been refused social security because my liver damage isn't severe enough. I would stay far away from this drug. The manufacturer should compensate people who have long-term/permanent side effects."

• Jai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 23, 2016

Rebetol (ribavirin) "48 weeks of treatment of HCV 1(a b) by NHS (UK national free Medicaid equivalent). Dosage was lowered at one point due to adverse side effects on blood count, re: hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia. Post-treatment, suffered acute pancreatitis episode. Numerous other adverse side effects during and post-treatment, chronic (for 9 years) side effects attributable to either or both ribavirin and interferon - the more serious chronic effects include: depression, anxiety, memory impairment, fatigue, sleep disorder, concentration, and executive function impairment. Brief episode of delusion/psychosis during treatment. Initially responded but relapsed early during treatment despite rigorous adherence to treatment schedule."

• moj...
• September 11, 2015

"It's too early in my treatment to weigh in on how effective the drug will be. Taken in conjunction with Sovaldi. However, side effects are numerous and worrisome... Itching, black and tarry stools, shortness of breath, severe mood swings from bursting into tears to spontaneous laughter, nauseous feelings, muscle cramps, and joint pain, vision issues as well as insomnia and trouble remaining asleep. I have phoned my doctor as he did not make me aware of the full spectrum of side effects nor how long they will persist during the course of treatment. I am eight days into treatment for Hep C, genotype II."

• RJG...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 6, 2013

Rebetol (ribavirin) "After treatment for 48 weeks with Rebetol combined with PegIntron, I no longer have the virus in my system. Side effects included extreme fatigue toward the end of treatment, along with flu-like symptoms every weekend after administering the shot of PegIntron on Fridays."

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 18, 2019

"Yes, ribavirin treatment helped me treat hepatitis C, treatment itself is a nightmare. Before treatment, I was healthy with no problems, that was like 7 years ago. Treatment left me with diabetes (insulin-dependent), and after this time, doctors told me now I have multiple sclerosis, its development started some 5 years ago. I don't have any family history of such health conditions, so I blame this treatment, which is killing me in the most brutal and slow mode. I would say think twice before you start treatment."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2020

"After several months of treatment on ribavirin, I had sunk into such a depression the Dr. took me off the treatments. I felt better almost the next day. Fifteen years later, and my immune system is still so weak, I constantly have to be on guard. DON'T DO THIS!!"

• Pri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2016

Moderiba (ribavirin) "Worked well. Also included Vira-Pak. Moderiba, this drug keeps you unable to sleep (very speedy). My doctor lowered my dose, this helped greatly. Manufacturer's program, qualified was giving the drugs for free. Thank God of Israel!"

• Ami...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2015

Ribasphere (ribavirin) "Worked for me, had mild side effects. My virus was cleared. Very glad for this medicine, taken with Pegasys interferon."

• and...
• September 27, 2016

"It made me very sick and was taken off this medication."