Ribavirin Therapy: Implementation of Hospital Guidelines and Effect on Usage and Cost of Therapy

Abstract

Before the implementation of hospital guidelines for use, a substantial percent of patients received ribavirin not consistent with the recommendations of the AAP. Following the adoption of a modified version of the AAP guidelines for our institution and the use of a multidisciplinary surveillance system for monitoring ribavirin therapy, we observed a substantial decrease in the overall ribavirin use. This has resulted in a significant savings in terms of cost avoidance and reduced billed patient charges.