Dosage Schedule
Take one tablet daily for 8 - 12 weeks
Treatment Type
Direct-acting Antiviral (DAA) Tablets
Follow Up Test
HCV RNA (PCR) 12 weeks after treatment confirms cure (SVR12).
Locations
Refer to the NHS for treatment
Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver, but with modern medical advancements, it is now a highly treatable and often curable condition. In the UK, the standard approach involves a course of oral antiviral tablets taken daily, typically for a period of eight to twelve weeks. These modern medications are much more effective and easier to tolerate than older treatments, with most people experiencing very few side effects. The primary goal of this therapy is to clear the virus from your bloodstream completely, which helps prevent long-term complications such as liver scarring or inflammation.
Patient Feedback
FAQs
We provide specialist assessment and advice for people diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Depending on your individual circumstances, we may be able to arrange treatment through our clinic or recommend referral to an appropriate NHS specialist service. Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications cure more than 95% of infections, and treatment usually lasts 8–12 weeks. Before treatment, additional blood tests and assessment of liver health may be required to determine the most appropriate management.
If ongoing liver monitoring is needed, we can also coordinate your follow-up care.
Anyone who may have been exposed to your blood should be informed so they can seek medical advice and testing if appropriate.
Modern Hepatitis C treatment is highly effective, curing more than 95% of people who complete treatment.
Treatment usually consists of direct-acting antiviral tablets taken for 8 to 12 weeks. A blood test 12 weeks after treatment ends confirms whether the virus has been cleared. If no virus is detected, you are considered cured.
Modern Hepatitis C treatments are generally well tolerated, and most side effects are mild.
Common side effects include:
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping
Continue taking your medication as prescribed unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. If side effects become troublesome or you start any new medications or supplements, seek medical advice.
During pregnancy, care focuses on monitoring your health and liver function. Treatment is usually deferred until after pregnancy. The timing of treatment after delivery, including during breastfeeding, should be discussed with a specialist, as recommendations continue to evolve.
Because there is a small risk of passing Hepatitis C to your baby, your baby will usually be offered follow-up testing after birth.
No. There are no home remedies or over-the-counter treatments that can cure Hepatitis C.
The infection requires prescription antiviral medication, which cures more than 95% of people when taken as prescribed. A proper diagnosis and medical follow-up are important to confirm the virus has been cleared and to monitor your liver health.
Hepatitis C treatment usually lasts 8 to 12 weeks, although some people may need a longer course.
The medication starts reducing the virus soon after treatment begins, but a cure is confirmed only if the virus remains undetectable 12 weeks after treatment has finished.
It is important to complete the full course, even if you feel better before treatment ends.
Menopause does not reduce the effectiveness of modern Hepatitis C treatment.
Direct-acting antiviral medications remain highly effective during and after menopause. Your healthcare provider will review any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications to check for potential interactions and may recommend ongoing liver monitoring if needed.
Some symptoms, such as tiredness, can take time to improve after treatment, particularly if your liver was affected before treatment started.
A blood test 12 weeks after treatment is needed to confirm whether the virus has been cleared. If symptoms continue, further assessment may be needed to determine whether they are related to liver recovery, another medical condition, or, rarely, persistent or recurrent infection.
Yes, but it is uncommon. Modern treatments cure more than 95% of people.
If the virus is still detected 12 weeks after treatment, further assessment will identify the most appropriate next step. This may include additional testing and a different antiviral treatment regimen. Most people who need retreatment are successfully cured.
Follow-up arrangements depend on where your treatment is provided. A Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test 12 weeks after treatment is recommended to confirm cure (SVR12).
If you have significant liver scarring or cirrhosis, you may also need ongoing monitoring of your liver health after treatment.
Not necessarily. Your partner will only need treatment if they test positive for Hepatitis C.
Because Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood-to-blood contact,testing may be recommended if they have had a potential blood exposure or if advised by their clinician. If they have the infection, treatment is highly effective and usually involves 8 to 12 weeks of antiviral tablets.
Until testing is complete, avoid sharing items that may have blood on them, such as razors or toothbrushes, and consider using condoms if there is a risk of blood exposure during sex.
Page last reviewed by Mrs Magdalena Nowacka on 06 August 2026 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.