Methods of treating a hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease are described herein, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of hydroxychloroquine. Therapeutically effective amounts of hydroxychloroquine are disclosed which are sufficient to inhibit HCV-induced autophagy in the subject. An anitviral agent may be co-administered with the hydroxychloroquine. Methods utilizing synergistic combinations of hydroxychloroquine and an antiviral agent are disclosed. Further disclosed are compositions comprising hydroxychloroquine and an antiviral agent, as well as hydroxychloroquine and uses thereof for the treatment of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease.
