Osmosis video - Hepatitis medications

The medications for hepatitis can be divided into two broad categories: those that clear the virus from the body (i.e. antivirals) and those that work to protect the liver from further damage (i.e. hepatoprotectives).

Antiviral medications for hepatitis include pegylated interferon, ribavirin, and telbivudine. These medications are typically used in combination with each other and are very effective at clearing the virus from the body.

Hepatoprotective medications for hepatitis include milk thistle, ursodeoxycholic acid, and vitamin E. These medications protect the liver from further damage and can be quite effective at preventing or slowing the progression of liver disease.