Livel (ribavirin) capsules 200 mg. №50

Description

Livel composition
active substance: ribavirin (ribavirin);
1 capsule contains ribavirin 200 mg;
Excipients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, capsule (gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), patented blue V (E 131), diamond black BN (E 151)).

Dosage form
Capsules.

Pharmacological properties
This drug Livel is included in the group of antiviral drugs used to treat hepatitis, other liver diseases and other viruses (in particular, hemorrhagic fevers). It is applied on a systematic basis.
Its main active ingredient ribavirin, an antiviral substance, is a nucleoside synthetic analogue.
Possesses activity against viruses containing ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acids.
According to research data, ribavirin did not show the ability to inhibit (inhibit) hepatitis C enzymes and is not able to suppress its reproduction, therefore its use as a monopreparation does not give the desired effect (in the treatment of chronic forms of this disease).
At the same time, its use in combination with alpha interferons (in which there is a recurrent outbreak of the disease during therapy with this interferon), showed an increase in efficiency by 300%.
The mechanism of action is associated with the ability to cause mutations in the viral cells of the RNA virus.

Indications
This drug Livel is used to treat:

• relapses of hepatitis C (in chronic form), if the patient previously received interferon alpha treatment with a positive result;
• chronic hepatitis C, histologically confirmed, which was previously treated, without signs of decompensation of liver function, with increased ALT, seropositivity to the hepatitis C RNA virus, in the presence of fibrosis or severe inflammatory activity.

This drug is used in combination with boceprevir and peginterferon α-2b.

Contraindications
The drug in question is contraindicated for use in cases where the patient has severe hypersensitivity (allergy) to the main or one of the auxiliary components.
Also, use is contraindicated in:

• severe heart disease;
• diseases of the thyroid gland;
• hemoglobinopathy;
• chronic renal failure;
• severe depression, suicidal thoughts;
• severe liver dysfunction or decompensated liver cirrhosis;
• autoimmune diseases.

Application during pregnancy and lactation
This drug is not used in the treatment of pregnant women.
If it is necessary to take the drug during breastfeeding, then lactation should be suspended during treatment.

Method of administration and dosage
This drug Livel is used orally, in a daily dosage of 1000 – 1200 mg.
The daily dose is taken in 2 divided doses, after 12 hours.
The dosage depends on the patient’s weight:

• weight less than 65 kg – 800 mg;
• weight 65-80 – 1000 mg (2 capsules of 200 mg in the morning and 3 capsules of 200 mg in the evening);
• weight 81-105 kg – 1200 mg in 2 divided doses (3 capsules of 200 mg in the morning and 3 capsules of 200 mg in the evening);
• weight over 105 kg – 1400 mg per day.

The duration of the course of treatment depends on the course of the disease, the patient’s individual response to the drug. Usually, with a relapse of the disease, they are treated within 6 months, if the disease has not been previously treated – 24 weeks.
In the case of virus genotype 1, treatment continues for another 24 months.

Overdose
In case of overdose, side effects may increase.
Symptomatic treatment is recommended – gastric lavage, intake of enterosorbents, monitoring of vital signs, treatment of symptoms.

Side effects
The following side effects are possible:

• viral and fungal infections;
• hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia;
• lack of hemoglobin, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland – a change in the content of thyroid-stimulating hormone;
• skin rash, allergic urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis;
• arterial hypotension, changes in laboratory parameters;
• weakening of hearing, vision;
• headaches, feeling unwell, fatigue;
• CVS diseases, incl. myocardial infarction, tachycardia;
• jaundice, hepatotoxicity;
• alopecia, arthralgia, arthritis, menstrual irregularities.

Storage conditions and periods
The shelf life is up to 2 years.
Storage temperature should not exceed 25 ° C.