Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule while Breastfeeding
It is recommended to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then while introducing to other food sources extend it to twelve months. In this duration most mothers will need help of some sort of medication, It could be for short term like could and flue or it could be something chronic like Arthritis or Diabetes and here comes the question of safety of medication in use. In this post we will figure out what is Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule and whether its safe to use Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule while nursing or not.

What is Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule used for?


REBETOL is a nucleoside analogue indicated in combination with interferon alfa-2b (pegylated and nonpegylated) for the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) in patients 3 years of age or older with compensated liver disease. (1.1) Patients with the following characteristics are less likely to benefit from re-treatment after failing a course of therapy: previous nonresponse, previous pegylated interferon treatment, significant bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, and genotype 1 infection. 1.1 Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) REBETOL® (ribavirin) in combination with interferon alfa-2b (pegylated and nonpegylated) is indicated for the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) in patients 3 years of age and older with compensated liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9, 5.10), and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. The following points should be considered when initiating REBETOL combination therapy with PegIntron® or INTRON A®: Combination therapy with REBETOL/PegIntron is preferred over REBETOL/INTRON A as this combination provides substantially better response rates [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Patients with the following characteristics are less likely to benefit from re-treatment after failing a course of therapy: previous nonresponse, previous pegylated interferon treatment, significant bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, and genotype 1 infection [see Clinical Studies (14)]. No safety and efficacy data are available for treatment duration lasting longer than one year.

I am breastfeeding mother and I am using Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule. Can it have any bad effect on my kid? Shall I search for better alternative?

Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule low risk for breastfeeding
Ribavirin is the one and only active ingredient present in Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule. Ribavirin in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Ribavirin in breastfeeding.

Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys


Ribavirin while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 36791-04-5

Synthetic drug and nucleoside analogue which is structurally related to guanine with antiviral activity. It is used in infants and newborns for treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus. Along with interferon for treatment of hepatitis C (authorized on these cases from the 3 years of life). At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. Its large volume of distribution makes it unlikely that may occur the passage of significant amounts to the milk. Its low oral bioavailability hinder the passage toward infant’s plasma from ingested milk, except in preterm milk and immediate neonatal period, for which there may be an increased intestinal permeability. Since it is used as treatment on infants and its pharmacokinetic data are favorable, it should be regarded as compatible with breastfeeding for short-term exposures, however, to be cautiously used on long-term treatments.


Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Ribavirin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 36791-04-5

Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule and breastfeeding

Ribavirin has not been studied in nursing mothers being treated for hepatitis C infection. However, ribavirin is given directly to infants by inhalation to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. The amount in milk is likely to be lower than the doses received by infants treated with ribavirin for RSV infection. Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breastmilk[1][2] and breastmilk has been shown to inactivate hepatitis C virus (HCV).[3][4] However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that mothers with HCV infection should consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. It is not clear if this warning would apply to mothers who are being treated for hepatitis C. Infants born to mothers with HCV infection should be tested for HCV infection; because maternal antibody is present for the first 18 months of life and before the infant mounts an immunologic response, nucleic acid testing is recommended.[1][2]


Is Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule safe while breastfeeding

What if I already have used Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule, is it safe?

Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule comes in category of low risk and if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding it should be ok to use without much concerns.


If I am using Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Rebetol | Ribavirin Capsule in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients