Addressing bottlenecks in Lassa fever treatment: overcoming the ribavirin parenteral formulation challenge

• Published in: Tropical Medicine and Health
• Main Authors: Qudus Olajide Lawal, Joseph Okoeguale, Sebastine Oseghae Oiwoh, ThankGod Akhigbe, Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, Sylvanus Akhalufo Okogbenin
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2024
• Subjects: Ribavirin; Lassa fever; Antiviral therapy; Dose formulation; Ampoule; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00609-0; https://doaj.org/article/59eff9db5ae74e70b7ea7134042a8695

Abstract Ribavirin ampoule formulation remains a major challenge in managing Lassa fever disease. Lassa fever is an endemic viral hemorrhagic fever in the West Africa subregion, which has high-dose ribavirin as the standard of care. The high-dose therapy required makes the 200 mg/ml ampoule dosing of ribavirin a daunting task to administer, especially during disease outbreaks. This commentary highlights the challenges and makes a passionate call for vial dosage adjustment to fit the high-dose requirement of Lassa fever disease.