Cold infections await us at any time of the year. One has only to overwork, experience severe stress, freeze or sleep badly for several nights, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a runny nose or herpes has already appeared.
As you know, most colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics are ineffective in such diseases.
What to do if you need to quickly get on your feet and get rid of annoying symptoms? Yes, and do not want to buy a mountain of pills and injections. In this case, Viferon ointment comes to the rescue.
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Why it helps: indications for use
- Herpetic infection of any localization.
- As an aid in the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.
- In the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections.
- For the prevention of recurrence of chronic herpetic infection.
- For the treatment and prevention of human papillomavirus infection (papillomas, warts, genital warts).
- As a local symptomatic therapy for chicken pox, measles and other diseases accompanied by rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.
Characteristics and description of the drug
Let’s take a closer look at what Viferon is and how it works.
Clinical and morphological group
Immunomodulatory drug with antiviral activity for external topical use.
pharmachologic effect
The drug inhibits the reproduction of the virus and its spread in the body. It also stimulates the immune system and accelerates the disappearance of skin manifestations of the infection.
Pharmacokinetics
When applied topically, the drug does not penetrate into the systemic circulation. This is due to the absence of a large number of side effects and the possibility of use during pregnancy and lactation.
Release form
Ointment yellow or light yellow. The consistency is homogeneous, viscous. There is a characteristic smell of lanolin. This form of release ensures uniform distribution of the active and excipients over the entire affected surface.
Package
12 grams of ointment are in a hermetically sealed aluminum tube. The tube, together with instructions for use, is packed in a cardboard box.
Composition and main active ingredient
The main active ingredient is human recombinant interferon alpha-2b – 40,000 IU / g.
Interferons are proteins that are produced in the human body in response to the invasion of viruses, some bacteria and chemical agents. They activate or enhance other proteins, which in turn block the reproduction of the virus and its further spread in the human body.
The uniqueness of interferon is that it is not virus-specific, that is, it is able to inactivate all types of viruses. Also, viruses do not develop resistance to interferon.
The adjectives “recombinant human” mean that interferon is obtained outside the human body. It is synthesized by the bacterium Escherichia coli, in whose DNA the human interferon gene is artificially inserted.
Excipients:
- Vaseline medical – 450 mg. It is the basis for the ointment, ensures its uniformity, rapid absorption.
- Lanolin anhydrous – 340 mg. Provides moisture and nutrition, protects the skin.
- Peach oil – 120 mg. It has a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, softening, regenerating and tonic effect, contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, a large amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) – 20 mg. It is a powerful antioxidant that improves cell regeneration.
- Purified water – up to 1 g.
Mechanism of action on HPV
HPV penetrates the cells of the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes, infects them, and begins to multiply there. When using Viferon locally, at the site of penetration of the virus, a cascade of biochemical reactions is launched in the human body.
Viferon includes in the work and enhances the action of proteins that limit the spread of viral particles. It also interacts with neighboring cells of the infected cell, which prevent the virus from producing its own proteins.
The destruction of the virus begins, and then all cells damaged by the virus. In addition, the body’s own immune system is stimulated, the cells of which are also sent to the source of infection. Soon the virus, unable to withstand such an onslaught, dies and disappears without a trace.
Instructions for use
CAUTION Before applying the ointment, wash your hands with soap and dry with a clean towel. Perhaps applying the drug with a cotton swab or a piece of cotton.
Children under one year old and older
- For the treatment of herpetic infection, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected area of the skin or mucous membrane 3-4 times a day. The duration of the course is from 5 to 7 days. It is recommended to start treatment when the first signs of the disease appear. The most effective use is during the period of herpes harbingers (itching, redness of the skin).
- In the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, an amount of ointment is used approximately equal to a pea with a diameter of about 5 mm. This amount of ointment is applied to the nasal mucosa. For children from 1 to 2 years old, the frequency of use is 3 times a day, for children from 2 to 12 years old – 4 times a day. Children from 12 years old apply a pea with a diameter of about 1 centimeter to the nasal mucosa 4 times a day. The duration of the course is 5 days.
We recommend to figure out whether it is possible to take Viferon suppositories for children up to a year .
For adults
- With a herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, the ointment is applied topically no more than 4 times a day. The duration of the course is 5-7 days.
- For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, the amount of ointment visually comparable to a pea with a diameter of 1 cm is applied to the nasal mucosa 4 times a day for 5 days.
Viferon is also used to prevent influenza and other respiratory viral infections. For this purpose, the ointment is applied to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages 2 times a day in the morning and evening at the age dosage. Apply within 2 weeks. Further, you can use 2-3 times a week for another 1 month.
Often and for a long time ill with ARVI, a long-term prevention scheme is prescribed: lubrication of the nasal passages and oropharynx 5-7 times a day for 3 weeks, then 3-4 times a day for 3 weeks, then 1-2 times a day for another 3 weeks. The entire course is 9 weeks. If necessary, it is possible to prescribe a second course after 6 months.
To treat an infection caused by the human papillomavirus, the ointment is applied locally to the surface of a wart or papilloma 2 to 4 times a day. The duration of treatment in each case is determined individually and can range from 5 days to 1 month.
Nuances when using for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Since the absorption of the drug is minimal, the drug is approved for use at any stage of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Does not pass into breast milk. When breastfeeding, it is not recommended to use the ointment on the nipple and areola area due to the possible swallowing of it by the child during sucking.
How to use this cream as a prophylaxis against warts and papillomas?
The most modern methods of getting rid of papillomas and warts are surgical and chemical removal, as well as cryotherapy. However, a successful operation is not a guarantee of getting rid of this problem forever.
In 25% of cases, warts reappear within 3 months after removal. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent the recurrence of papillomavirus infection. Prevention is carried out with antiviral agents for topical use.
After the operation, a thin layer of Viferon ointment is applied to the place where the wart was, 2-4 times a day. The duration of the course is on average 1 month. The number of courses is determined individually.
The ointment quickly penetrates into the cells of the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes and prevents the reproduction of the virus in them, prevents re-infection and the appearance of a wart. Also, due to the auxiliary substances that are part of the ointment, the skin at the site of intervention heals and recovers faster.
Side effects and overdose
When applied to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, a burning sensation, sneezing, and watery discharge from the nose may occur. All these symptoms are mild and quickly disappear on their own after stopping the use of the drug.
When applied to the skin, an allergic reaction may occur in the form of itching and redness due to individual intolerance to the components of the ointment. In this case, it is necessary to wash off the ointment from the skin, itching and redness will quickly disappear.
Cases of overdose of Viferon ointment in clinical practice have not been identified.
Contraindications
Children’s age up to 1 year.
Individual intolerance to interferon or auxiliary components of the ointment.
Cross-action with drugs
Ointment Viferon goes well with all drugs that are used in the complex treatment of all viral infections.
Price
The price of an ointment in different pharmacy chains varies and ranges from 184 to 246 rubles.
Vacation conditions and storage rules
A doctor’s prescription is not required for purchase.
The shelf life of a hermetically sealed tube is 1 year. Store the drug should be at a temperature of 2-8 ° C in a place protected from light. The opened tube can be stored up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Therefore, when using the ointment for the first time, it is recommended to indicate the date of opening on the box. Storage in a place accessible to children is unacceptable.
Analogues
- Grippferon.
- Alfaron.
- Interferon.
- Kipferon.
- Roferon.
- Genferon.
- Anaferon.
Feedback from doctors and patients
There are many reviews on the Internet about Viferon ointment, both from medical professionals and from patients.
Patient reviews
“Thanks to Viferon, my two-year-old son managed not to get the flu when my husband, children, and even me fell ill at home.”
“Viferon saved my daughter from herpes on the lip, my son from seizures in the corners of my mouth, my husband from dry nose, and me from dryness and cracks on my lips. Plus, during the period of the rise in the incidence, none of us even had a runny nose. ”
“During pregnancy, I smeared my nose with Viferon ointment when I went to places with large crowds of people, or when someone was sick at home. I have never been infected, although everyone knows that pregnant women have weakened immunity. And Viferon helped me cope with herpes in 3 days. Believe me, this is much faster than anti-herpetic drugs, most of which are prohibited in pregnant women.
“Viferon was prescribed by a doctor to prevent relapse after removal of papilloma. I do not know whose merit this is, but they did not return. Hooray!”.
Reviews of doctors
“I prescribe an ointment in the nasal passages as an adjuvant for ARI. To be honest, I myself use it.
“I advise you to use Viferon ointment during the period of adaptation of children to kindergarten. And, according to mothers, they get sick much less than other children in the group.”
“A colleague prescribes Viferon to children with chickenpox to lubricate rashes instead of greens. Heals faster and rarely leaves scars.”
Ointment Viferon is a universal soldier against viruses. It’s great not to think: “What kind of rash is this?”, But just smear Viferon and forget about this trouble in a couple of days.
For its use there are no restrictions on age (except for children under one year old) and lifestyle. It is compatible with any other drugs, does not accumulate in the body, does not develop addiction to it.
