Opegus
Form: Capsule
Strength: 200mg
Generic Name: Ribavirin
Company: Drug International Ltd.
MRP:৳ 25.0 (Box=7)
Per Piece: ৳ 3.57
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Opegus is used to treat chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection. Opegus should be used with other antiviral drugs in patients with compensated liver disease who have not been treated with interferon alpha before, and in adults with CHC who are also infected with HIV. Opegus should not be used alone.
Pharmacology
Opegus is a synthetic nucleoside that works against viruses like respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and herpes simplex virus. The exact way Opegus works is not clear, but Opegus may interfere with the virus’s ability to reproduce by affecting certain cellular enzymes. The active forms of the drug (mono- and triphosphate) are responsible for its antiviral effects.
Dosage & Administration
Adult & Elderly: The treatment duration is usually 24 to 48 weeks for those who haven’t been treated with interferon. After 24 weeks, the response to the treatment should be checked. If there is no response, the treatment may be stopped. For those who have relapsed after interferon therapy, the recommended treatment duration is 24 weeks. The treatment for a patient depends on their weight and genotype.
Pediatric patients: The safety and effectiveness of this treatment in children have not been established.
Interaction
Opegus should not be taken with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Azathioprine, when taken with Ribavirin, may cause serious blood problems. If this happens, Ribavirin or azathioprine may need to be stopped or the dose reduced.
Contraindications
Opegus should not be used in pregnant women as Opegus can harm the baby. Opegus is also not suitable for patients with certain blood disorders, such as thalassemia or sickle-cell anemia, or those who are taking didanosine. Serious liver failure and other side effects have been reported in clinical studies.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include psychiatric and nervous system problems, eye disorders, dental issues, and growth problems in children. Some side effects may be permanent in some patients.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Opegus is not safe to use during pregnancy as Opegus can cause serious harm to the baby. Women should not use Opegus if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. For nursing mothers, Opegus is not known if Opegus passes into breast milk, so Opegus is important to decide whether to continue breastfeeding or stop the treatment based on the mother’s health needs.
Precautions & Warnings
Opegus should not be used during pregnancy or for 6 months after treatment. Before starting treatment, a pregnancy test should be done, and at least two forms of contraception should be used. A woman should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for 7 months after. Males should also ensure their partner avoids pregnancy during treatment and for 7 months afterward.
Overdose Effects
No information is available on the effects of overdose.
Therapeutic Class
Opegus is used to treat hepatic viral infections, such as Hepatitis C.
Storage Conditions
Store Opegus in a cool, dry place away from light and out of the reach of children.
Similar Brands of Ribavirin (Capsule – 200mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celbarin | Capsule | 200mg | Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 35.0 |
| Chrocee | Capsule | 200mg | ACI Limited | 35.0 |
| Copeg | Capsule | 200mg | Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 35.0 |
| Covirin 200 | Capsule | 200mg | Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 33.0 |
| Ribacee | Capsule | 200mg | Julphar Bangladesh Ltd. | 35.0 |
| Rivarin 200 | Capsule | 200mg | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 33.0 |
| Viracin 200 | Capsule | 200mg | Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 35.0 |