Hepatitis C: What You Need to Know Now

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Many people have no symptoms for years, so you might feel fine while the virus quietly damages your liver. If you notice tiredness, stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes, get tested. A simple blood test can find the virus and show how active it is.

Testing and Treatment Today

Testing is straightforward: start with an antibody test, then an HCV RNA test to confirm current infection. If positive, your doctor will check liver enzymes and sometimes do a fibrosis scan to see how much scarring exists.

Treatment has improved dramatically. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) like sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir cure over 95% of people in 8–12 weeks for most cases. These drugs are well-tolerated compared with older therapies, but they can interact with other meds, so always tell your clinician about everything you take.

Ask your provider these specific questions: What is my HCV genotype (if needed)? How long will treatment last? Are there drug interactions with my current medicines? What follow-up tests will I need after treatment?

Finding Medications Safely & Affordably

Getting DAAs can feel expensive, but there are ways to save. Check if you qualify for government programs or patient assistance from drug makers. Pharmacy discount programs and verified international pharmacies can help, but be careful: only buy from sites that require a prescription and show real credentials.

Look for approval seals like NABP or CIPA and read pharmacy reviews. If a site sells prescription-only DAAs without asking for a prescription, don’t use it. When in doubt, call the pharmacy and ask to speak with a licensed pharmacist. Legitimate pharmacies will explain dosing, side effects, and drug interactions.

Besides medicine, protect your liver: avoid alcohol, watch acetaminophen doses, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you aren’t immune. Regular follow-up after treatment checks that the virus is gone and monitors liver health.

If you think you’ve been exposed—shared needles, unsterile tattoos, or blood contact—get tested. Early detection makes treatment easier and prevents liver damage. Browse our site for articles on verifying online pharmacies, saving on prescriptions, and safely ordering meds so you can get treatment without risking scams or dangerous products.

Want quick next steps? Get tested, talk to a clinician about DAAs, and verify any online pharmacy before you buy. Clearing hepatitis C is very possible today—take the first step.