Digestive
Medicines for Autoimmune hepatitis
A condition where the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation that can lead to scarring — usually well controlled with medicines that calm the immune system.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Autoimmune hepatitis?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing ongoing inflammation. If not treated, this inflammation can, over time, lead to scarring (fibrosis) and eventually cirrhosis and serious liver problems.
- How it is treated: Autoimmune hepatitis usually responds well to treatment that calms the immune system and reduces the liver inflammation, most often starting with steroids and then adding or switching to other immune-suppressing medicines to maintain control while reducing steroid side effects.
- Self-care: Taking immune-suppressing medicines consistently and not stopping them suddenly, attending regular blood-test monitoring, avoiding alcohol to protect the liver, keeping up with recommended vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy weight all support the liver.
- When to seek help: See a GP about persistent tiredness, feeling generally unwell, or abnormal liver blood tests.
What it is
Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver, causing ongoing inflammation. If not treated, this inflammation can, over time, lead to scarring (fibrosis) and eventually cirrhosis and serious liver problems. It can affect people of any age and is more common in women. Some people have few or no symptoms and it is found on liver blood tests; others have tiredness, joint aches, tummy discomfort, feeling generally unwell, or, when more advanced, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It sometimes occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions. It is diagnosed with blood tests (including specific antibodies and markers of liver inflammation) and usually a liver biopsy, which helps confirm it and assess the degree of inflammation and any scarring.
How it is treated
Autoimmune hepatitis usually responds well to treatment that calms the immune system and reduces the liver inflammation, most often starting with steroids and then adding or switching to other immune-suppressing medicines to maintain control while reducing steroid side effects. Treatment is typically long-term, sometimes lifelong, with regular monitoring of liver blood tests to check it is working and to guide the dose. Most people do well and lead normal lives when the condition is controlled. The effects of the medicines (such as on bones, blood pressure and infection risk) are monitored and managed. People with significant scarring are monitored for complications, and a small number with advanced disease may need a liver transplant. Care is guided by a liver specialist.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Autoimmune hepatitis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Taking immune-suppressing medicines consistently and not stopping them suddenly, attending regular blood-test monitoring, avoiding alcohol to protect the liver, keeping up with recommended vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy weight all support the liver.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about persistent tiredness, feeling generally unwell, or abnormal liver blood tests. Seek prompt care for jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), tummy swelling, or vomiting blood, which suggest more serious liver problems.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Autoimmune hepatitis: frequently asked questions
What is autoimmune hepatitis?
It is a condition where the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation that can lead to scarring if untreated. It usually responds well to medicines that calm the immune system, and most people do well when it is controlled.
Is treatment for autoimmune hepatitis lifelong?
Often treatment is long-term and sometimes lifelong, with regular monitoring. It is usually very effective at controlling the inflammation, allowing most people to lead normal lives.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- British Liver Trust — Autoimmune hepatitis
- British Society of Gastroenterology guidance
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