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Antiviral Therapy (Hepatitis)
Expert Treatment for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are serious viral liver infections that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated.
At Shree Hospitals, our specialist hepatologists and gastroenterologists provide evidence-based antiviral therapy to achieve viral suppression, prevent liver damage, and in many cases deliver a complete cure.
Diagnosed with Hepatitis? Get Expert Antiviral Treatment Today
Quick facts
Treatment Type: Antiviral Medication (Oral)
Conditions Treated: Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C Treatment Duration: 8 to 12 weeks
Hepatitis B Treatment:Long-term viral suppression
Hospital Stay:Outpatient (regular clinic visits only)
Support Team:Hepatologists, gastroenterologists, specialist nurses
Key Benefit: Viral suppression or cure preventing cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer
What is Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C?
Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most common causes of chronic viral hepatitis worldwide. Chronic infection means the virus persists in the liver long-term, causing progressive inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer over years or decades without treatment.
Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B uses nucleoside or nucleotide analogues such as tenofovir or entecavir to suppress HBV replication, prevent disease progression, and reduce the risk of liver cancer. Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) - effectively a complete cure - in over 95% of patients within just 8 to 12 weeks of once-daily oral treatment.
At Shree Hospitals, our hepatology and gastroenterology team provides comprehensive hepatitis assessment including liver function tests, viral load testing, fibroscan assessment of liver fibrosis, and fully personalised antiviral treatment plans for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

When Should You Consult a Hepatologist?
You should seek specialist evaluation if you:
- Have a known or suspected hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- Have elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) on blood tests with unknown cause
- Experience fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal discomfort with known liver disease
- Have a family history of hepatitis B (particularly in high-risk groups)
- Have a history of blood transfusion, tattoo, or needle sharing with risk of hepatitis C
Early specialist assessment is the first step toward protecting your liver health.
Is Antiviral Therapy Right for You?
Antiviral treatment may be appropriate if:
- You have confirmed chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C on blood tests
- Your viral load is elevated and liver function tests are abnormal
- Liver fibrosis assessment shows significant liver damage requiring treatment
- You wish to eliminate the risk of progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer
- You are planning pregnancy and have hepatitis B requiring specialist management
Our hepatologists will assess your full liver profile and design the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Why Early Hepatitis Treatment Matters?
Untreated chronic hepatitis B or C silently damages the liver over years. Early antiviral treatment:
- Cures hepatitis C in over 95% of patients within 8 to 12 weeks
- Reduces liver cancer risk by up to 50% with hepatitis B therapy
- Prevents progression to irreversible liver cirrhosis
- Is well tolerated with minimal side effects in most patients
- Protects future liver health and prevents transmission to others
Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy cures hepatitis C in over 95% of patients within 8 to 12 weeks.
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Our Approach to Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis
At Shree Hospitals, our hepatology team takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to managing both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
From initial viral diagnosis and liver fibrosis assessment to treatment selection, monitoring, and post-treatment surveillance, every aspect of your liver health is managed by experienced specialists.
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Comprehensive Hepatitis Assessment
Every patient undergoes a full hepatitis evaluation including HBsAg, anti-HCV, viral load (HBV DNA / HCV RNA), genotyping (HCV), liver function tests, and fibroscan to assess the degree of liver fibrosis and guide urgency of treatment.
Personalised Antiviral Treatment Selection
Treatment is tailored based on viral genotype (HCV), viral load, degree of fibrosis, previous treatment history, and co-existing medical conditions. We prescribe the most effective and best-tolerated DAA regimen or HBV antiviral for your individual profile.
On-Treatment Monitoring
Patients are closely monitored throughout treatment with regular viral load testing, liver function checks, and assessment for any side effects. Early viral response testing confirms the treatment is working effectively and guides any necessary adjustments.
Post-Treatment Surveillance and Liver Health
After completing treatment, hepatitis C patients undergo a 12-week post-treatment viral load test to confirm cure. Hepatitis B patients continue long-term antiviral therapy with regular monitoring. All patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis enter a 6-monthly liver cancer surveillance programme using AFP blood tests and ultrasound.
Top Gastroenterologists in Mumbai at Shree Hospitals
Every specialist at Shree Hospitals is board-certified and has an average of 15+ years of clinical experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, colonoscopy, and gastrointestinal disease management.
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Dr. Keyur A. Sheth
Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced GI
Dr. Sandeep Kirit Davavala
Gastroenterology, Therapeutic Endoscopy
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Services at Shree Hospitals
We offer a comprehensive range of liver and gastroenterology services including antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C, liver biopsy and fibroscan, cirrhosis management, endoscopy, ERCP, IBD treatment, and liver cancer surveillance, all delivered by experienced specialists with a focus on evidence-based liver care.
Liver Biopsy
Definitive ultrasound-guided liver tissue diagnosis for accurate staging of liver disease and fibrosis. Results guide antiviral, immunosuppressive, or other treatment decisions for chronic liver conditions.
ERCP (Bile Duct Procedure)
Specialised endoscopic procedure for diagnosis and treatment of bile duct stones, strictures, and biliary obstruction. ERCP achieves non-surgical stone removal and biliary stenting in over 90% of cases.
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
High-definition upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy for accurate diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions. Biopsies, polyp removal, and therapeutic procedures are performed at the same session without the need for further intervention.
Immunosuppressive Therapy (IBD)
Expert medical management of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis using immunosuppressive and advanced biologic therapy. Our IBD team achieves sustained remission and mucosal healing in the majority of patients.
Step by Step Process of Antiviral Therapy at Shree Hospitals
Hundreds of patients successfully treated for hepatitis B and C by our specialist team over 20+ years
Step 1 - Initial Consultation and Hepatitis Assessment Your hepatologist takes a detailed history of symptoms, risk factors, and previous test results. Full hepatitis serology (HBsAg, anti-HCV, HBeAg, anti-HBe), viral load (HBV DNA or HCV RNA), liver function tests, FBC, and renal function are arranged.
Step 2 - Viral Load Testing and Liver Fibrosis Assessment A fibroscan (transient elastography) assesses the degree of liver fibrosis non-invasively. For hepatitis C, HCV genotyping determines the most effective antiviral regimen. For hepatitis B, HBV DNA levels and HBeAg status guide treatment thresholds and urgency.
Step 3 - Treatment Eligibility and Planning Your hepatologist reviews all results and confirms treatment eligibility. For hepatitis C, virtually all patients with detectable HCV RNA are eligible for DAA therapy. For hepatitis B, treatment is recommended when viral load, liver enzyme levels, and fibrosis stage meet established criteria. Co-existing conditions are reviewed.
Step 4 - Antiviral Therapy Initiation You are prescribed your antiviral medication regimen with full counselling on dosing schedule, possible side effects, and the importance of adherence. For hepatitis C, a single once-daily tablet is prescribed for 8 to 12 weeks. For hepatitis B, long-term daily tablet therapy is initiated.
Step 5 - On-Treatment Monitoring At 4 weeks into hepatitis C treatment, a viral load test confirms early virological response. Liver function tests are checked during treatment. For hepatitis B patients, viral load and liver enzymes are monitored every 3 to 6 months throughout long-term therapy.
Step 6 - End-of-Treatment Assessment and Follow-Up Hepatitis C patients complete a 12-week post-treatment viral load test to confirm SVR (cure). Hepatitis B patients continue long-term antiviral therapy with regular monitoring. All patients with significant fibrosis or cirrhosis are enrolled in a 6-monthly liver cancer surveillance programme.
Patient Questions About Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis
Can hepatitis C be completely cured?
Yes. Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in over 95% of patients. SVR means the virus is undetectable in the blood 12 weeks after completing treatment and is considered a permanent cure in the vast majority of cases. Treatment is short (8 to 12 weeks), once daily, and well tolerated with minimal side effects. Patients who have been cured of hepatitis C can no longer transmit the virus to others.
Does hepatitis B have a cure?
Currently, hepatitis B cannot be permanently cured in most patients. However, highly effective antiviral medications such as tenofovir and entecavir can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, stopping liver damage and dramatically reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Some patients with hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion may be able to stop treatment under specialist guidance. Lifelong monitoring is recommended for all chronic hepatitis B patients.
Are there side effects to antiviral therapy?
Modern DAA therapy for hepatitis C is very well tolerated. Some patients experience mild fatigue or headache in the first few weeks. Serious side effects are rare. Hepatitis B antivirals are also generally very well tolerated over the long term. Tenofovir may affect bone density or kidney function in a small number of patients, which is why regular monitoring is important. Your hepatologist will review all medications and existing conditions before selecting the safest regimen for you.
How is hepatitis B or C spread and can I infect others while on treatment?
Hepatitis B is spread through blood, unprotected sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. Hepatitis C is spread primarily through blood-to-blood contact (needles, blood transfusions, tattoo equipment). Once viral load is undetectable on antiviral therapy, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced but all patients should continue to follow precautions advised by their specialist. Close contacts of hepatitis B patients should be screened and vaccinated.

Evidence-Based Case Studies by Our Specialists
Would Recommend Us
"I had hepatitis C for over 10 years and was afraid of what treatment might involve. The team at Shree Hospitals explained that I just needed to take one tablet daily for 12 weeks. My 12-week post-treatment test showed the virus was completely gone."
Mr. Jayesh P.
"My liver function was deteriorating from hepatitis B. After starting antiviral treatment at Shree Hospitals, my viral load became undetectable within 3 months and my liver enzymes normalised completely. Regular monitoring gives me complete peace of mind."
Mrs. Meera T.
"My fibroscan showed significant liver scarring. The hepatology team at Shree Hospitals started me on treatment immediately. I completed 12 weeks of tablets and my follow-up showed the virus was cured and my fibrosis has stabilised."
Mr. Rajan K.
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