Drug interactions
Lamivudine + Ribavirin
Severity: Minor
Lamivudine and Ribavirin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Ribavirin and lamivudine have no established pharmacokinetic interaction, and the concern is largely theoretical additive mitochondrial toxicity and lactic acidosis. Clinical data in HIV and hepatitis C coinfection have not shown a significant problem.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lamivudine and Ribavirin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Lamivudine belongs to Anti Virals; Ribavirin belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Theoretical additive mitochondrial toxicity; no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What to do
No dose change is needed; monitor for symptoms of lactic acidosis, and monitor hemoglobin and liver function during ribavirin therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ribavirin
- Didanosine + Ribavirin Contraindicated
- Ribavirin + Stavudine Major
- Ribavirin + Zidovudine Major
- Abacavir + Ribavirin Moderate
- Emtricitabine + Ribavirin Minor
- Ribavirin + Tobramycin inhaled Minor
Other interactions of Lamivudine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lamivudine with Ribavirin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lamivudine and Ribavirin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ribavirin and lamivudine have no established pharmacokinetic interaction, and the concern is largely theoretical additive mitochondrial toxicity and lactic acidosis. Clinical data in HIV and hepatitis C coinfection have not shown a significant problem.
How serious is the interaction between Lamivudine and Ribavirin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed; monitor for symptoms of lactic acidosis, and monitor hemoglobin and liver function during ribavirin therapy.
What other medicines interact with Ribavirin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ribavirin with, for example, Didanosine, Stavudine, Zidovudine. The full list is on the Ribavirin page.
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