Ribavirin, Its Dosing Regime

Ribavirin, Its Dosing Regime

The purpose of this study is to determine if the medicines for chronic hepatitis C can be taken once daily, instead of twice daily.

The standard treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) is treatment with ribavirin. Actually, the compliance (2x daily) seems to be a problem. To increase patients' compliance, it is investigated if the total dose of ribavirin can be taken once daily.

The pharmacokinetics of ribavirin at different dosage regimes is investigated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• anti-HCV positivity > 6 months
• Positive HCV-RNA genotype 1 or 4
• Liver biopsy within one year before the start of therapy
• Intention to be treated and participate treatment
• body weight at or above 75 kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• HIV positive