Generic Copegus

Copegus, which is generically prescribed as ribavirin, is commonly used in combination with an interferon alpha medication to treat chronic hepatitis C. Copegus is not effective in the treatment of hepatitis C without the addition of an interferon alpha medication. Copegus is classified as an antiviral medication.

Copegus is not appropriate for all patients and a thorough medical history should be assessed prior to using this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes an autoimmune hepatitis or a hemoglobin disorder can not take this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes cancer, diabetes, depression, suicide attempts, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, breathing problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorder, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, organ transplant, hepatitis B, or HIV or AIDS may not be able to take Copegus or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

Copegus has been proven to cause serious harm, death, or birth defects in unborn babies. Women who are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant can not take Copegus. Men who have pregnant sexual partners can not take Copegus or must refrain from sexual intercourse. These precautions are in effect until after 6 months have passed after the end of treatment. Women who are nursing should not take Copegus, although there has been little testing as to whether or not this medication passes into the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby.

There is a risk of serious side effects associated with Copegus. An allergic reaction will present with facial swelling, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing, and requires immediate medical attention. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical intervention include depression, thoughts of self harm, pale skin, jaundice, easy bruising, easy bleeding, confusion, dark urine, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, other flu symptoms, trouble breathing, chest pain or heaviness of the chest which involves the arm or other symptoms of a heart attack, severe pain in the upper stomach that spreads to the back with nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur and may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, loss of weight, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, irritability, joint or muscle pain, trouble concentrating, insomnia or other sleep problems, and stuffy nose. Less serious side effects generally do not require medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician in order to assess the correct individual dosage.

Copegus should be taken exactly as it has bee prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should either be taken when remembered or skipped entirely if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. An overdose is likely if too much of this medication is taken. Patients should never double up to make up for a missed dose or to increase effectiveness. An overdose may present with symptoms which include decreased urination or a lack of urinating, easy bruising, easy bleeding, nausea, sweating, feeling generally ill, and chest pain or heaviness that spreads down the arm.

Other medications may cause negative drug interactions if taken with Copegus. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including those that are purchased over the counter or any herbal supplements. Medications with a known interaction to Copegus include zidovudine, didanosine, stavudine, as well as alcoholic beverages.