Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.
Ribavirin is a broad-spectrum antiviral, a nucleoside analogue that disrupts how RNA viruses copy themselves. It was a backbone of hepatitis C treatment together with peginterferon, and is still used in some hepatitis C and hepatitis E treatment and, inhaled, for severe RSV infection in some children. Anaemia from red cell breakdown is its main side effect. It is sold as Rebetol and Copegus, among other names.
Two genes have strong evidence. Response to peginterferon and ribavirin in hepatitis C depended on the IFNL3 (IL28B) region: people with the CC genotype at rs12979860 cleared the virus far more often, and CPIC published a guideline on IFNL3 for this treatment. Separately, low-activity ITPA variants protect against ribavirin-induced anaemia. With today's interferon-free hepatitis C medicines, the IFNL3 effect matters much less.
Every published finding on gene variants and Rebetol. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.
PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.
IFNL3;IFNL4 rs12979860: Level 1A · replicated. Efficacy: Hepatitis C virus infection. 69.
IFNL3;IFNL4 rs12979860: Level 1A · replicated. Efficacy: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection. 9.
IFNL3;IFNL4 rs12979860: Level 1A · replicated. Efficacy: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection. 5.
IFNL3 rs8099917: Level 1B · replicated. Efficacy: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection. 45.
Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.
Studies of how much of the drug people needed or tolerated.
ITPA rs1127354: Genotype CC is associated with decreased dose of ribavirin.
Studies that do not fall into the groups above.
Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.
More drugs from the same category
Agenerase (Protease Inhibitors)
Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.
Content updated September 2026.
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