AI Summary Hepatitis C is treated with a short course of direct-acting antivirals aimed at a cure, while chronic hepatitis B is usually controlled with long-term antivirals.
Medically reviewed.
Viral hepatitis is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E virus. Treatment depends on the type. Some forms improve with supportive care alone. Others need antiviral medicines to control or clear the virus, protect the liver from more damage, and lower the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Your plan depends on the virus, how active it is, and the health of your liver.
On this page, you can explore the main treatment groups: HBV antivirals for chronic hepatitis B and direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. You can also learn how healthy habits support treatment and how your care team monitors your progress. A liver specialist can help you decide which treatment fits your situation.
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VIRAL HEPATITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS
Antiviral medicines are the main treatment for the two types of viral hepatitis that most often become long-term infections: hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These medicines slow or stop the virus from multiplying. This reduces inflammation and helps protect the liver from scarring.
Explore the two treatment groups below. Which one applies depends on the virus you have. Your care team will also consider your liver health, your treatment history, and your overall health.
HBV antivirals treat chronic hepatitis B. Three oral medicines block the virus from copying itself: Viread (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide), and Baraclude (entecavir). Pegasys (pegylated interferon alfa-2a) is an injection that helps the immune system fight the virus. Oral antivirals are usually taken for the long term. They do not offer a complete cure, but they help prevent further liver damage.
Explore HBV antivirals:
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treat hepatitis C by blocking proteins the virus needs to multiply. Options include Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), Harvoni (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir), and Mavyret (glecaprevir/pibrentasvir). These are oral medicines taken for a set number of weeks. The goal is a cure, called sustained virologic response (SVR).
Explore HCV direct-acting antivirals:
DIET & LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR VIRAL HEPATITIS
Medicine does most of the work against the virus, but healthy habits help protect your liver during treatment. The treatment guides for hepatitis B and C recommend avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and managing other conditions that affect the liver. Explore the topics below to learn more.
Avoiding alcohol is a core recommendation for people treated for hepatitis B or C, because alcohol adds to liver injury.
A balanced diet, good hydration, healthy weight, and enough rest support your liver and help you cope with treatment effects such as fatigue.
Follow your provider's guidance on infection prevention. After hepatitis C is cured, avoid behaviors that could lead to reinfection. For hepatitis B, follow precautions that lower the risk of passing the virus to others.
Alongside antiviral treatment, a balanced diet supports your liver. Talk with your care team about foods and products that fit your plan.
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TREATMENT GOALS BY HEPATITIS TYPE
The goal of treatment differs by virus. For some types, the goal is a cure. For others, it is to keep the virus under control and protect the liver. Treatment also lasts for different lengths of time.
The summaries below are general. Your healthcare provider will decide which approach fits your diagnosis, liver health, and medical history.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. The infection usually passes on its own within a few months, and your provider can prescribe medicine to ease symptoms. Most people recover fully and have lifelong immunity. Hepatitis A rarely causes long-term liver disease, though people who are older or already have liver damage may have more liver problems. Vaccination and good hygiene prevent it.
Many people with chronic hepatitis B do not need treatment right away. Treatment is considered for people at risk of liver disease, people with cirrhosis, and people with a weak immune system. Oral antivirals are taken once a day, usually for many years. They do not cure hepatitis B, but they help prevent more liver damage. Interferon is given by injection for a set period and can help some people control the virus.
Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antivirals, which do not use interferon. Courses are time-limited, often 8 to 12 weeks, though some people need up to 24 weeks. Length depends on the medicine, the virus genotype, past treatment, and whether cirrhosis is present. The goal is a cure, called sustained virologic response (SVR).
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis D. Preventing hepatitis B also prevents hepatitis D, because the hepatitis D virus needs hepatitis B to cause infection. Interferon can help put the infection into remission, but the virus may still be detectable. Liver transplant is an effective treatment for sudden, severe liver failure or advanced disease caused by hepatitis D.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis E. Care is supportive and usually means rest, enough nutrients and fluids, and avoiding alcohol. Hospital care is not usually needed except in severe cases. Hepatitis E is uncommon in the United States and is most often linked to travel.
TREATMENT MONITORING
Regular monitoring helps your healthcare provider see how you are responding to treatment and catch changes early. Depending on your diagnosis, follow-up can include virus level tests, liver and kidney blood tests, and liver imaging.
Liver enzyme tests show how your liver is responding. Kidney function tests are also recommended during treatment with tenofovir-based medicines.
HBV DNA and HCV RNA tests measure how much virus is in your blood. They show whether treatment is working and, for hepatitis C, whether the virus is gone.
People with cirrhosis need regular screening for liver cancer, even after hepatitis C is cured. Screening uses abdominal ultrasound and an alpha-fetoprotein blood test, often every 6 months.
People with cirrhosis may also need an endoscopy every 1 to 2 years to check for enlarged veins in the esophagus (varices), even after a cure.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
