ribaverin

[ivgal]

Hello!
I must have more details about "ribaverin". I have lots of digestive system,probs: IBS,tummy pain,I have some polyps & hemoroids & also go to the toilet 6-8 time a day,usually with lots of pain.Now i have to go under HCV treatment,again--first time was almost 11trs ago when interferon was the only medicine prescribed for HCV. I must have the complete picture of this drug,cuz as I said I need to know how this drug works & how to prevent agrevation on all my stomach probs.
Thanks

[HCA]

It is actually spelled ribavirin.Basic info here.
http://www.medicinenet.com/ribavirin/article.htm
It's main side effect is to deplete red blood cells-anemia.This causes weakness and breathlesness.
There is not much to suggest it will aggravate the digestive conditions you mention.

[Trinity4]

Ribavirin must be taken with food and it's recommended you take it with foods that have a higher fat content.  We all like to eat healthy, but during treatment some exceptions have to be made.  Many people eat peanut butter prior to taking the pills.  Peanut butter hurts my stomach so I usually take it with a fruity milkshake, icecream, anything that coats my stomach. I like a sweet roll in the morning and that works well for me.  The main thing to remember is take it with food.  It helps with the absorption of the pills and reduces irritation to the stomach.  Personally, it hasn't bothered me and I have a hiatal hernia which is irritating all by itself.  
Trinity

[jjhvc]

What works for me . Eat small amounts of healthy foods 5 times a day. The stuff that dose not bother your stomach. when i feel sick I do not feel like eating but if I force myself to eat I feel better . I take the rib with all kinds of nut butters almond, peanut , sesame, (No allergies) I sometimes swallow it down with a Spoonful of extra virgin olive oil or take it with my Omega 3 and other oil based supplements.
Also found a new favorite food  "steel cut oats ".  My bad cholesterol has dropped  and I think that has helped lower my viral load too . I did a 6 month diet change before tx too help with the iron overload and lowered my VL. So I've kept it up during tx. I'm on the 9th week . Good luck and health to you. Jan

[Morgaina]

At least take it with full fat yoghurt. Coat your tummy and help the absorption. Sometimes first thing in the AM is a tough time for food prep but if your up for it, good eating with the delectible ribavirin is the way to go!

[ADESI]

I had similar problems with bowels (not the polyps) before tx. All my doctors dismissed it and said they had never heard of anything like it being related to HepC.
However everything cleared up in first month of TX, (1200 Riba /180 peg).
I do get plenty of toilet time though 2nd day after peg shot .

[ivgal]

Thanks U all members ,who answered my question,especially the link I have received helped me understanding the side effects.Also the fact that,there  r still people who r ready to help is so pleasent.I quess this is my way to say that if I can help in anyway,I'll do it gladly.
Again thanks & lots of health to all of u!

[redrodeo]

I had all those problems also. But since tx and during tx most of those problems have resolved. For years I took Prevacid 30mg bid. Now I have taken any in months. And the very uncomfortable IBS has gone also. So you have that to look forward to.
     Red