Warning that direct-acting antivirals, used for hepatitis C, may reactivate hepatitis B

2 December 2016

A recent safety review from medicines regulatory Health Canada has found that patients infected with both hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses who are being treated for hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals may experience a reactivation of their hepatitis B. Hepatitis B reactivation is the return of an active hepatitis B infection, which can lead to serious complications such as liver failure.

As a result, Health Canada is working with manufacturers to strengthen the prescribing information for these drugs with a new warning about this risk.

Direct-acting antivirals are prescription medicines used to treat and, in most cases, cure chronic hepatitis C virus infections in adults. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C virus infections can lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer and death.

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