What is Rebetron?:
- Rebetron is a combination of intron (an alfa interferon) and ribavirin (an antiviral drug).
How is Rebetron Administered?:
- Intron is administered as a subcutaneous injection (just beneath the skin) in doses of 3 million units three times per week.
- Ribavirin is a capsule taken in doses of 1000 to 1200mg per day based on body weight.
How Effective is Rebetron?:
- Ribavirin alone is not effective in suppressing hepatitis C virus counts and must be used in combination with interferon.
- Approximately 30-40% of patients will have a sustained response after a course of rebetron treatment.
What are the Side Effects of Rebetron?:
- Side effects include those of interferon and ribavirin.
- Side effects of ribavirin include:
- itching
- rash
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- Anemia (decrease red blood cells count). The most common symptoms of anemia include:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- Serious birth defects - for this reason, men and women with reproductive potential must practice dual measures of birth control during treatment and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
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