Ribavirin

Ribavirin (brand name Ibavyr)Ribavirin (brand names Ibavyr and Moderiba) – General Information (PDF)

Approved by Health Canada and Covered by BC PharmaCare:   Yes

Treatment Description: Ribavirin (RBV) is a nucleoside analogue. Ribavirin is used in combination with direct acting antiviral treatments to stop viruses from reproducing and spreading. It does this by disturbing a virus’s way of copying itself and changing a body’s immune response towards viruses. This gives a treatment the best possible chance to cure.

Traditionally, ribavirin has been part of a treatment combination with pegylated interferon (Pegasys). However, stand-alone pills are now used with the treatments Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Holkira Pak (ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir + dasabuvir) to create interferon-free combinations.

In BC, the ribavirin taken with Sovaldi has the brand name Ibavyr. When Sovaldi and Ibavyr are prescribed, they are ordered separately. They are both covered by BC’s PharmaCare.

However, the ribavirin taken with Holkira Pak has the brand name Moderiba. Moderiba is not covered by BC’s PharmaCare but comes free of charge from its manufacturer, AbbVie, through AbbVie Care when it’s prescribed in combination with Holkira Pak.

Note that a prescription is required for the Moderiba. See below for more information about AbbVie Care.

Usage Warning: Ribavirin is a drug that may harm fetuses. Tell your doctor if you may be or may become pregnant.

Length of Treatment: 12 – 48 weeks (See the page for the treatment it is being combined with for more information)

Daily Dose:  Usually 2 pills. Half of the required daily dose is taken in the morning and half is taken at night. The number of pills required depends on the patient’s weight. Typically, the dose is 1,000 mg/day for persons less than 165 lbs. (75 kg) and 1,200 mg/day for those 165 lbs. (75 kg.) or greater.

Common Side Effects:

  • Anemia, hemolytic (low red cells)
  • Dizziness / lightheadedness
  • Fatigue
  • Increased heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Itchy / dry skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mood issues (anxiety, depression, irritability, moodiness)
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Taste changes
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
  • Weakness

Ribavirin Treatment Combinations

Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) + Ribavirin

  • Approved by BC’s PharmaCare for the treatment of hep C genotype 2 or 3 as a limited coverage drug. 

Holkira Pak (ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir) + Ribavirin

  • Approved by BC’s PharmaCare for the treatment of hep C genotype 1a/b as a limited coverage drug. 
  • When Holkira Pak is prescribed with ribavirin, the ribavirin comes with the Holkira Pak.

More information about the treatments above, can be found on the webpages for Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) and Holkira Pak (ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir + dasabuvir).

Talk to your healthcare provider for more information or to start the treatment process.

AbbVie Care

Canadians prescribed Holkira Pak (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir) with ribavirin can request to be enrolled in AbbVie Care. The program is designed to provide services such as reimbursement assistance, education, and ongoing disease management support. AbbVie Care not only supports people living with genotype 1 hep C but healthcare professionals as well. For more information call: 1-844-471-2273.

Ibavyr Patient Support Program

Canadians prescribed ribavirin (brand name Ibavyr) have the opportunity to request to be enrolled in the Ibavyr Patient Support Program. For more information, contact your doctor, nurse, or call the program at: 1-844-602-6858.