What should you know about DAAs for hepatitis C?

DAA stands for direct-acting antiviral. These medicines act on proteins the hepatitis C virus needs to multiply. The exact combination and treatment length depend on the virus type, liver health, previous treatment, pregnancy status, and other medicines. Many people have few symptoms, although [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) can occur. A positive screening antibody result does not by itself show whether the virus is currently active; follow-up testing is used to clarify this.

Treatment decisions also consider liver inflammation and scarring. A clinician may review blood results, medicines, alcohol use, and vaccination needs before prescribing. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) can be part of this assessment, but it is only one piece of the picture.

Book a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or specialist review with the complete test report. Tell the clinician about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, supplement, and recreational substance because interactions can matter. Take the course exactly as prescribed and do not share tablets. Ask how monitoring will be arranged and what test confirms that treatment has worked after the course. Avoid donating blood until your care team says it is appropriate, and discuss ways to prevent blood exposure to others.

Contact your treatment team promptly for a severe or unexpected reaction, repeated vomiting that prevents tablets staying down, or a new medicine started elsewhere. Seek urgent care for yellow skin or eyes with marked drowsiness, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion, collapse, or severe abdominal swelling. Do not stop antiviral treatment without advice unless an emergency clinician tells you to.

Ask which virus test confirms active infection, which DAA combination is suitable, how other medicines should be managed, whether liver scarring needs assessment, and when follow-up testing will check the response.