Chronic Hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis C is a persistent liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike acute infection, which the body sometimes clears on its own, the chronic form persists for more than six months and can quietly damage the liver over years. Across Asia, HCV is a significant public health concern, prevalence is particularly high in parts of South and Southeast Asia, and among people who received blood products before widespread screening was introduced.

Medicines used to treat Chronic Hepatitis C

Sovaldi

Sofosbuvir

400mg

Formulated for chronic hepatitis c to mitigate viral progression.

From $29.21 / tablet View

Rebetol

Ribavirin

200mg

Developed to alleviate viral proliferation and indicated to support treatment of chronic hepatitis infection.

From $5.26 / tablet View

Copegus

Ribavirin

100mg

Copegus is indicated for chronic hepatitis C to mitigate viral loads, utilized to support liver health and to address disease progression.

From $4.86 / tablet View

Daklinza

Daclatasvir

60mg

Developed to alleviate chronic hepatitis C infection, indicated to target the virus and support sustained virologic response.

From $14.00 / tablet View

How HCV damages the liver over time

The virus replicates inside liver cells, triggering ongoing inflammation. Most people have few or no symptoms for decades, which is why chronic hepatitis C is often found incidentally during routine blood tests. Over time, repeated inflammation can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma. A simple blood test confirms active infection; a liver stiffness scan or biopsy can assess how much fibrosis has already occurred.

Direct-acting antivirals: the modern treatment

Current treatment uses combinations of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) taken orally for 8 to 12 weeks, with cure rates above 95 percent. Sofosbuvir is a backbone ingredient in many regimens, often paired with ledipasvir, velpatasvir, or daclatasvir. Ribavirin is added in certain harder-to-treat genotypes. Tenofovir disoproxil may be used where HCV and hepatitis B or HIV coinfection are present. These medicines fall within the broader antivirals category and have largely replaced older interferon-based regimens. The right combination depends on the HCV genotype and the degree of liver damage already present.

Life alongside treatment

Alcohol accelerates liver fibrosis significantly and should be avoided during, and ideally well before, treatment. Certain common medicines, including some herbal preparations widely used across Asia, interact with DAAs, so it is worth reviewing everything taken regularly before starting a course. After a confirmed cure (undetectable viral load 12 weeks post-treatment), liver surveillance may still be recommended for anyone who had advanced fibrosis, as cirrhosis itself carries residual cancer risk even after the virus is gone.