MedsBase’s Hepatitis Medication category covers oral antivirals for the two distinct chronic viral liver infections you can actually treat with tablets — chronic hepatitis B (HBV) και chronic hepatitis C (HCV) — along with the tenofovir-based combinations used for both HBV suppression and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Each treatment class has its own goal, mechanism and duration. Choosing the right medication starts with knowing which virus you are treating, your kidney function, and whether you are co-infected with HIV.
Hepatitis C: 12-week direct-acting antiviral (DAA) cure
HCV is the only chronic viral hepatitis that current oral therapy can cure. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) target the HCV NS5B polymerase and NS5A replication complex simultaneously. The result is sustained virologic response (SVR12) — HCV RNA undetectable 12 weeks after the last tablet — in 95% or more of treatment-naive patients without cirrhosis. Treatment lasts 12 weeks; once cured, no ongoing antiviral is required.
Hepcinat LP — sofosbuvir 400 mg + ledipasvir 90 mg, generic Harvoni. First-line for HCV genotypes 1, 4, 5 and 6.
Hepatitis B: long-term suppression with tenofovir
Unlike HCV, chronic hepatitis B is currently a manageable infection rather than a curable one. The cccDNA template inside infected hepatocytes is not eliminated by any oral drug, which is why HBV treatment is usually long-term. The goal is undetectable HBV DNA, normal ALT, and prevention of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Two tenofovir formulations dominate guidelines (EASL, AASLD, APASL, WHO):
Tenvir — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg by Cipla. 20+ years of safety data; preferred in pregnancy.
Teravir — tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg by Cipla, alternative TDF brand.
Tenvir AF — tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) 25 mg by Cipla, generic Vemlidy. Same active metabolite as TDF, but ~90% lower plasma exposure: substantially less renal and bone toxicity. Preferred in chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, age > 60, or pre-existing TDF toxicity.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment-combination tablets
The same tenofovir backbone, when combined with emtricitabine (FTC), is the standard for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis — reducing HIV acquisition risk by > 99% when taken daily as directed. These products are listed in this category because TDF alone is also active against HBV; in HBV/HIV co-infection a single combination tablet covers both. Three branded generics of Truvada are stocked here:
Tenvir-EM — TDF 300 + FTC 200 by Cipla.
Ricovir EM — TDF 300 + FTC 200 by Mylan.
Tenof EM — TDF 300 + FTC 200 by Hetero.
Daily PrEP, the 2-1-1 event-based regimen (cisgender MSM only), or HIV combination treatment all start with the same molecule. Choice between the three brands is largely about manufacturer preference and stock; pharmacology is identical.
Choosing between options
Need
Recommended starting point
Hepatitis C cure (genotype 1/4/5/6)Hepcinat LP, 12-week course.
Chronic HBV, normal kidneys, age < 60Tenvir or Teravir (TDF 300).
Chronic HBV with CKD, osteoporosis, or age > 60Tenvir AF (TAF 25).
HIV PrEP — daily or 2-1-1Tenvir-EM, Ricovir EM or Tenof EM (TDF/FTC).
HBV + HIV co-infectionA TDF/FTC combination — covers both.
All hepatitis B and HIV regimens require baseline workup (HBV DNA or HIV RNA, HBeAg/HBsAg, eGFR, ALT, hepatitis screening, lipid panel) and ongoing specialist monitoring. Hepatitis C treatment also benefits from hepatologist supervision, especially if there is any cirrhosis or co-medication that interacts with DAAs. MedsBase supplies the medication; clinical monitoring should be set up locally.