COPEGUS® (Ribavirin, USP), which you also may have heard of by its generic name, ribavirin, is a medication that is used in combination with PEGASYS to help fight the hepatitis C virus. COPEGUS is taken in the form of several tablets every day.
Although COPEGUS cannot fight hepatitis C on its own, studies have shown that it does help PEGASYS work better. The precise reason why this combination of drugs works well is not clear. What is known is that COPEGUS interferes with the reproduction of the hepatitis C virus in many ways—one way is by causing mistakes to be made when the genetic material of the virus is being copied during reproduction. For viruses to survive in your body, they need to reproduce quickly. Interrupting that process helps your body fight off the attack.
Since all medications can cause side effects, it's possible that you could experience side effects while taking PEGASYS alone or in combination with COPEGUS. If you have any questions about your treatment, be sure to speak with your healthcare professional.
COPEGUS can be extremely harmful and cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Female patients and the female partners of male patients should avoid getting pregnant. Ribavirin is known to cause anemia (low red blood cells), which can make heart disease worse. Also, ribavirin can harm your DNA and possibly cause cancer (see medication guide for more information and warnings).
Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. You or your doctor should also call the Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-593-2214.
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