In addition to the 400 mg and 600 mg strengths of
ribavirin (Ibavyr) available on the PBS, ribavirin 200 mg was listed on 1 November
2016 for use in combination therapy with other oral agents for treatment of chronic
hepatitis C infection.1,2
Ribavirin 200 mg is listed as Authority required in Section 85 (General Schedule) and Section 100
(Highly Specialised Drugs) of the PBS.1,2
The availability of 200 mg tablets removes the need for the
physical splitting of 400 mg ribavirin tablets to achieve
lower doses in modified dosing regimens.2
This may be required in a small percentage (up to 10%) of
patients, for example, when a lower restarting dose is required after treatment-emergent
adverse events.2
PBS eligibility same as for existing strengths of
ribavirin
Ribavirin 200 mg is listed on the PBS under the same restrictions
and at an equivalent manufacturer price as existing strengths of ribavirin.1 To receive ribavirin 200 mg
on the PBS:1
Ribavirin-containing treatment combinations for chronic
hepatitis C
Treatment combinations currently available on the PBS for patients
with chronic hepatitis C can be found in the General
Statement for Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C.
Treatment regimens depend on the hepatitis C genotype, the cirrhotic status of the patient, and whether they have received prior treatment for chronic hepatitis C.3
