Page 105 - The Flying Publisher Guide to Hepatitis C Treatment

Appendix – Selected drug profiles | 105

as there is a linear correlation between mg/kg ribavirin dose and
treatment success. Discontinuation of ribavirin may be necessary
at hemoglobin values < 8.5 g/dl.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, severe coronary disease, renal
failure, decompensated liver cirrhosis, hemoglobinopathies (e.g.,
thalassemia major or sickle-cell anemia).
Warning: Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects
have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to
Ribavirin. Therefore, its use is contraindicated in women who
are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are
pregnant. At least two reliable forms of effective contraception
must be utilized during treatment and during the 6 month post-
treatment follow-up period.
References
Gish RG. Treating HCV with ribavirin analogues and ribavirin-like molecules. J
Antimicrob Chemother 2006,57:8-13.
Pawlotsky JM, Dahari H, Neumann AU, et al. Antiviral action of ribavirin in
chronic hepatitis C. Gastroenterology 2004;126:703-14.
Bronowicki JP, Ouzan D, Asselah T, et al. Effect of ribavirin in genotype 1 patients
with hepatitis C responding to pegylated interferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin.
Gastroenterology 2006;131:1040-8.
Internet sources
Hoffmann La Roche: www.roche.com
Merk: www.merck.com
Official FDA information for ribavirin:
www.drugs.com/pro/ribavirin.html

Incivek™ (Telaprevir)
Manufacturer: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
Indications: Telaprevir is a HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor
indicated for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C
infection, in combination with PegIFN/RBV, in adult patients
with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are
treatment-naive or who have been previously treated with IFN-
based treatment, including prior null responders, partial