Antivirals
Antivirals act against particular viruses rather than all viral infections. The diagnosis, virus type, disease stage, organ function and other medicines determine which treatment is appropriate.
Epivir Hbv
100mg
Indicated for chronic hepatitis b to support viral suppression and hepatocyte health.
Natdac
Tenofovir Disoproxil, Daclatasvir, Sofosbuvir
60mg
Indicated to manage hepatitis c to mitigate viral infection.
Key takeaways
- Hepatitis B treatment usually suppresses viral replication, while selected hepatitis C combinations can achieve cure confirmed by follow-up testing.
- Hepatitis C medicines such as sofosbuvir and daclatasvir are used in planned regimens, not as interchangeable single agents.
- Herpes medicines can be used for an episode or suppression, but timing, kidney function and the infection site affect treatment.
Listings are for comparison and general information, not a treatment recommendation; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, clinician and pharmacy checks, prescription requirements and monitoring.
How the medicine groups differ
Direct-acting hepatitis C medicines target stages of viral replication and are combined according to clinical guidance. Hepatitis B medicines have different treatment goals and monitoring. Herpes antivirals such as valaciclovir and famciclovir may shorten an episode or reduce recurrences in suitable patients, but they do not remove latent herpes virus from the body.
What antivirals are used for
This category includes medicines used for chronic hepatitis c, chronic hepatitis b, herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Blood tests and, for hepatitis, assessment of liver disease and coinfections guide care.
Important safety checks
Kidney or liver function, pregnancy and medicine interactions can change the regimen. Some hepatitis treatments interact with common heart, seizure, cholesterol, acid-reducing or herbal products. Do not stop hepatitis treatment or combine antiviral products without specialist advice.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent assessment for eye pain or vision changes with a herpes rash, facial weakness, confusion, severe headache, widespread blistering, jaundice, vomiting blood or marked drowsiness. People with weakened immunity should obtain prompt care for a new or spreading herpes-type rash.