Hepatitis C treatment: what works and how to start
If you have hepatitis C, good news: most people can be cured with pills taken for 8–12 weeks. Modern hepatitis C treatment uses direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). They target the virus directly, work fast, and cause few side effects. Read on for clear steps, the main medicines, and what to watch for.
What medicines work
Doctors now use DAAs that often cure over 95% of people. Common combinations you’ll hear about are sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (brand: Epclusa) and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (brand: Mavyret). These are pan-genotypic, meaning they work across most HCV types. Some regimens last 8 weeks, others 12 weeks depending on liver health and treatment history.
Side effects are usually mild: headache, tiredness, or nausea. Serious problems are rare, but interactions with other drugs can matter. For example, some DAAs interact with amiodarone and certain statins. Always tell your provider every medicine and supplement you take.
Practical steps to get treated
1) Confirm infection: a positive antibody test needs an HCV RNA (PCR) test to show active infection. 2) Check the liver: providers use blood tests, ultrasound, FibroScan, or simple scores (APRI/FIB‑4) to see fibrosis. This helps pick the right treatment length. 3) See a prescriber: your family doctor, hepatologist, or a telemedicine clinic can prescribe DAAs. Many programs treat people who use drugs and people without insurance.
After you start pills, you’ll usually have a viral load check at 4 weeks and a final test 12 weeks after finishing treatment. If the virus is undetectable 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12), that’s considered a cure.
Cost and access can be a barrier. Ask about patient assistance programs, generic options in some countries, or community clinics that help with prior authorizations. If you use online pharmacies, only choose licensed, verified services and get a prescription from a licensed clinician.
Keep in mind:
- Vaccinate against hepatitis A and B if you’re not immune. - Avoid alcohol while your liver recovers. Alcohol speeds liver damage. - Harm reduction matters: if you inject drugs, use needle exchange, consider opioid substitution therapy, and know reinfection is possible. A cure doesn’t prevent getting HCV again.
Pregnancy: DAAs are not routinely recommended during pregnancy yet. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, talk to your provider about timing treatment and weighing risks.
Finally, follow-up matters. Even after cure, people with advanced fibrosis need liver monitoring for liver cancer. For most others, a simple check-in after SVR is enough. If you want help finding a clinic, assistance program, or understanding a prescription, ask — there are straightforward routes to getting cured.