Ribavirin Capsules and Stavudine

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Using ribavirin together with stavudine may decrease the effects of stavudine. Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, infection or a general ill feeling, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, motor weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in hands and feet. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR: Ribavirin, a nucleoside analog, has been shown to antagonize the in vitro antiviral activity of stavudine against HIV. The mechanism is feedback inhibition of thymidine kinase induced by ribavirin, resulting in decreased intracellular phosphorylation of stavudine to its active triphosphate metabolite. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown. Preliminary data from a small number of HCV-HIV coinfected patients receiving interferon-ribavirin therapy and different antiretroviral regimens containing stavudine do not support a major clinical impact related to the in vitro effect. However, the potential for diminished antiretroviral activity should be considered, as three patients in one study had an increase in HIV viral load of more than 0.5 log after 3 to 6 months of interferon-ribavirin therapy which led to discontinuation of ribavirin in one. In addition, the risk of mitochondrial toxicities such as lipodystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and lactic acidosis associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors may be increased during coadministration with ribavirin. Nucleoside analogs alone and in combination have been associated with these and other toxicities.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of ribavirin with stavudine should be undertaken with caution and only if the benefit is anticipated to outweigh the potential risks. Patients should be advised to promptly seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/distention, fatigue, infection, unexplained weight loss, tachypnea, dyspnea, motor weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain in hands and feet. Dosage reduction or discontinuation of ribavirin should be considered if worsening toxicities are observed.

Ribavirin Capsules

Generic Name: ribavirin

Brand name: Rebetol, RibaPak, Ribasphere, RibaTab, Virazole, Copegus, RibaPak 600, Moderiba, Moderiba 800 Dose Pack, Moderiba 1200 Dose Pack, Moderiba 1000 Dose Pack, Moderiba 600 Dose Pack

Synonyms: Ribavirin, Ribavirin (Oral Inhalation)

What is Ribavirin Capsules?

Stavudine

Generic Name: stavudine

Brand name: Zerit, Zerit XR

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Stavudine?