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Copegus

Hepatitis C infection facts

  • HCV is one of several viruses that cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).
  • Up to 85% of individuals who are initially (acutely) infected with HCV will fail to eliminate the virus and will become chronically infected.
  • HCV is spread most commonly through inadvertent exposure to infected blood. Intravenous drug abuse is the most common mode of transmission. The risk of acquiring HCV through sexual contact is low.
  • Generally, patients do not develop symptoms of chronic infection with HCV until they have extensive scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Some individuals, however, may have fatigue and other non-specific symptoms in the absence of cirrhosis. A minority of patients with HCV have symptoms from organs outside of the liver.
  • In the U.S., Infection with HCV is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
  • ...

Copegus

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Copegus Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Copegus)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. If you have not taken the medication for longer than 24 hours, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Copegus)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, urinating less than usual or not at all, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, or a general ill feeling.

What should I avoid while taking ribavirin (Copegus)?

Treatment with ribavirin does not prevent spread of the hepatitis C virus to other people. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to prevent passing the disease to another person.

Do not drink alcohol while taking ribavirin. Alcohol can increase the risk of damage to your liver.

Ribavirin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect ribavirin (Copegus)?

Before taking ribavirin, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

  • abacavir (Ziagen);
  • didanosine (Videx);
  • lamivudine (Combivir, Epivir, Epzicom, Trizivir);
  • stavudine (Zerit);
  • tenofovir (Viread);
  • zalcitabine (Hivid); or
  • zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ribavirin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about ribavirin.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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