Which of the following statements about Ribavirin is true?

Enhance your knowledge with the Internal Medicine End of Rotation Exam. Challenge yourself with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations to ensure you excel.

Ribavirin is an antiviral medication that is indeed teratogenic, meaning it can cause developmental abnormalities in a fetus if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. This property necessitates that women of childbearing age be advised to avoid pregnancy while receiving ribavirin therapy and to use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after treatment completion. Additionally, ribavirin is commonly used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV), often in combination with other antiviral medications such as direct-acting antivirals to enhance efficacy.

The other statements do not hold true in the context of ribavirin's clinical use. While ribavirin is an effective antiviral, it is not typically used for treating hepatitis B (HepB) infections, nor is it considered safe for pregnant women due to its teratogenic effects. Ribavirin also does not serve as a treatment option for cirrhosis directly, as cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease that requires management of the underlying cause rather than a specific antiviral therapy. Thus, the assertion regarding ribavirin being teratogenic and utilized for hepatitis C fits its profile and clinical indications accurately.

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