Common adverse events associated with the use of ribavirin for severe acute respiratory syndrome in Canada.
Although information on efficacy and adverse drug reactions is lacking, ribavirin has been used empirically for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). We report common adverse events in 110 patients with suspected or probable SARS who were treated with ribavirin. Sixty-one percent of the patients had evidence of hemolytic anemia, and hypocalcemia and hypomagnesmia were reported in 58% and 46% of patients, respectively.
Knowles
Sandra R
SR
Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Phillips
Elizabeth J
EJ
Dresser
Linda
L
Matukas
Larissa
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000209:etiology*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin