Hepatitis C treatment: how it works and what to do next
Hepatitis C used to be a long, uncertain fight. Today, most people can be cured with short courses of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). If you or someone you care about has hepatitis C, here’s a clear, practical road map — what tests matter, which medicines are common, and how to get treatment safely.
Quick steps to get treated
Start with testing: an antibody test screens for exposure, and an HCV RNA (viral load) test confirms active infection. If RNA is positive, your doctor will usually check liver health (blood tests or FibroScan) and ask about other meds and health conditions.
Ask about genotype testing — it used to guide drug choice, but many places now use pan-genotypic DAAs that work across genotypes. Still, your provider may want genotype info for certain cases.
Most standard treatment lasts 8–12 weeks and aims to reach a sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after finishing therapy. SVR12 means the virus is undetectable and is considered a cure.
Common medicines and what to watch for
Modern regimens include combinations like sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir. These drugs are highly effective — cure rates often exceed 95% for many people. Side effects are usually mild: headache, fatigue or nausea can happen, but serious reactions are rare.
Drug interactions matter. Tell your provider about antacids, certain heart drugs (like amiodarone), and herbal products. People with advanced liver disease, a transplant, or certain infections (HIV) need specialist care and tailored plans.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require discussion with your clinician — current DAAs have limited data in pregnancy, so timing and risks need review.
After treatment finishes, you’ll get an HCV RNA test at 12 weeks (SVR12). If the virus stays undetectable, you’re cured. Keep monitoring liver health if you had fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Access and cost: many health systems, charities, and pharma assistance programs help cover DAAs. Generic versions are available in some countries at much lower cost. Always use a licensed provider and pharmacy. Don’t buy hepatitis C meds from sites that skip prescriptions — fake or substandard drugs are dangerous.
Want to buy meds online? Ask your doctor first, get a valid prescription, and choose a reputable pharmacy with clear licensing and good reviews. If price is the issue, ask your clinic about assistance programs or local public health services that provide treatment at low or no cost.
Final practical tip: treat hepatitis C as a short, curable medical issue. Get tested, talk to a clinician experienced with HCV, finish the full course, and confirm SVR12. If you need help finding a clinic or understanding treatment options, ask your GP or a local public health service — they can point you to affordable, safe care.
