Key takeaways
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the main treatment for chronic hepatitis C. They work by stopping the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying.
- The specific medication your doctor prescribes depends on your hepatitis C virus genotype.
- Ribavirin and interferons are older medications sometimes used alongside DAAs.
Chronic hepatitis C needs treatment with medication. Drugs can help ease symptoms and, in many cases, cure the condition.
Even if hepatitis C hasn’t caused symptoms yet, treatment is important. This is because medications can lower the risk of complications, such as liver problems.
Here are some common medications used to treat hepatitis C.
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are the most common treatment for hepatitis C. These medications can cure hepatitis C in
They work by helping to stop HCV from multiplying and attacking HCV directly, which means they’re more targeted than older treatments. Also, DAAs do not affect as many systems in your body as interferons do, so they may not cause as many side effects. Usually, the side effects of DAAs are mild to moderate in severity.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has different genetic variations (genotypes). The medication prescribed for hepatitis C depends on the genotype a person has. Genotype 1 is the
Below is a table of common DAAs.
sofosbuvir/ velpatasvir
glecaprevir/ pibrentasvir
ledipasvir/ sofosbuvir
sofosbuvir/ velpatasvir/ voxilaprevir
sofosbuvir
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
1, 4, 5, or 6
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6
- 1, 2, 3, or 4 in adults
- 2 or 3 in children
- adults
- children ages 3 years and older
- adults
- children ages 3 years and older
- adults
- children ages 3 years and older
adults
- adults
- children ages 3 years and older
- sofosbuvir: NS5B polymerase inhibitor
- velpatasvir: NS5A inhibitor
- glecaprevir: NS3/4A protease inhibitor
- pibrentasvir: NS5A inhibitor
- ledipasvir: NS5A inhibitor
- sofosbuvir: NS5B polymerase inhibitor
- sofosbuvir: NS5B polymerase inhibitor
- velpatasvir: NS5A inhibitor
- voxilaprevir: NS3/4A proteaseinhibitor
sofosbuvir: NS5B polymerase inhibitor
- oral tablet
- oral pellets
- oral tablet
- oral pellets
- oral tablet
- oral pellets
oral tablet
- oral tablet
- oral pellets
- headache
- fatigue (low energy)
- nausea
- vomiting
- insomnia
- headache
- fatigue (low energy)
- headache
- fatigue (low energy)
- weakness
- headache
- fatigue (low energy)
- diarrhea
- nausea
- fatigue (low energy)
- headache
- nausea
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- anemia (low red blood cell levels)
Doctors may use two other medications in combination
Quick note: Talk with your doctor about all of your health conditions and other medications you are taking. This will help them determine which DAA may be the best fit for you.
Ribavirin works by stopping viruses from replicating and spreading. It’s currently not available as a brand-name medication. Ribavirin can be used in adults and certain children to treat hepatitis C.
Ribavirin on its own is not an effective treatment option for hepatitis C. Doctors
For hepatitis C, ribavirin is available as an oral medication in capsule and tablet forms. There is an inhaled form of ribavirin with a different use. If you have questions about that form of the drug, talk with your doctor.
Possible side effects of ribavirin may include:
- decreased red blood cell counts and anemia
- nausea and vomiting
- changes in your sense of taste
- memory loss
- trouble concentrating
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle pain
- dermatitis
- alopecia
Ribavirin has boxed warnings about the risk of fetal harm, hemolytic anemia, and not being used as a monotherapy. To learn more about these risks, talk with your doctor.
Interferon is a protein. It helps your immune system develop an immune response to viruses, including hepatitis C.
These days, interferon medications are not commonly used to treat hepatitis C. This is because interferons can cause a lot of side effects and are not as effective for treating chronic hepatitis C.
However, doctors may recommend using this medication alongside DAAs in cases of more complicated disease progression or when other treatment regimens do not work.
Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) is a common brand-name interferon. It is an injectable medication that’s typically injected once a week into your abdomen or thigh.
Side effects
Common side effects of interferons include:
- anxiety
- dry mouth
- excessive fatigue
- headache
- mood changes or depression
- weight loss
- worsening hepatitis symptoms
More serious side effects can happen over time. These may include:
- autoimmune diseases, which happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells
- reduced red blood cell counts, which can lead to anemia
- reduced white blood cell counts, which can lead to infections
- high blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack
- reduced thyroid function
- vision changes
- liver disease
- lung disease
- inflammation of your bowel or pancreas
- allergic reaction
- slowed growth in children
The current standard of care for hepatitis C involves direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) because they directly attack the virus and have a tolerable side effect profile compared with older treatment options.
The most effective medication with the fewest side effects for hepatitis C may depend on other factors, such as the HCV genotype and your overall health. Doctors may also recommend combinations of medications.
Glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (Mavyret) can treat hepatitis C in 8 weeks in people without cirrhosis. You typically need to take other hepatitis C medications for 12 weeks.
Treatments to cure HCV are not approved for use during pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re pregnant, you can start treatment after your baby is born or once you’ve finished breastfeeding.
Your treatment for hepatitis C may depend on your health, the HCV genotype you have, and certain other factors.
Different types of drugs used to treat hepatitis C work in different ways and can cause unique side effects.
Talk with your doctor about which medication might be a good fit for you. Together, you can find the most effective drug for you.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.