Antiviral, immunomodulatory drug for adults and children – Viferon 500

Constant stress, poor nutrition, poor ecology lead to a decrease in immunity. A weakened body is more susceptible to attack by various viruses, and a person is constantly sick.

In this regard, scientists have developed a complex immunomodulating, antiviral drug Viferon 500. Interferon, which is part of it, in combination with highly active antioxidants, effectively copes with diseases caused by viruses and various pathogens.

Description of the medication

Before purchasing and starting to use a drug, it is necessary to study its form of release, consistency, pharmacological action, and composition.

Latin name

The drug in Latin is called Viferon.

Release form of the drug

Viferon 500 is available in the form of suppositories intended for rectal administration. They are bullet-shaped, white in color with a yellow tinge. The diameter of the candle is a maximum of 1 cm.

Suppositories are placed in polyvinyl chloride blisters. In a cardboard pack there can be one such package with ten candles or two with five candles. Instructions for use of the medicinal product are also attached.

Composition and consistency

Each suppository contains an active ingredient – interferon alfa-2b  (human recombinant 500,000 IU) and additional excipients, such as:

• polysorbate-80;
• ascorbic acid;
• cacao butter;
• disodium edetate dihydrate;
• alpha-tocopherol acetate;
• sodium ascorbate;
• confectionery fat.

The suppository at room temperature has a homogeneous solid consistency, after being introduced into the body, it melts and is absorbed into the body.

pharmachologic effect

Interferon alpha-2b, contained in the drug, has antiproliferative, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects. It enhances the activity of macrophages.

The antiviral effect of interferon is enhanced due to the presence of alpha-tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid in the composition of the drug, its immunomodulatory effect increases.

When using the drug, the level of class A immunoglobulins increases and the level of immunoglobulin E returns to normal. Alpha-tocopherol acetate in combination with ascorbic acid has membrane-stabilizing, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties.

The use of Viferon  in complex therapy creates the possibility of reducing the doses of hormonal and antibacterial agents, thereby reducing the toxic effect of the treatment.

Phospholipids contained in cocoa butter make it possible not to use toxic emulsifiers in the manufacture of the drug. The presence of fatty polyunsaturated acids contributes to the smooth administration and rapid dissolution of the drug.

Indications and contraindications for use

Viferon 500 is effective for the treatment of the following diseases:

• recurrent or primary herpetic infection of the mucous membranes, as well as the skin;
• viral hepatitis C, B, D in adults and children;
• acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and pneumonia (viral or chlamydial);
• infectious and inflammatory urogenital diseases in adults (ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, cytomegalovirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, human papillomavirus infection).

The drug is not recommended for use in case of hypersensitivity to the substances that make up its composition. We recommend to figure out whether it is possible to take Viferon suppositories for children up to a year .

Instructions for use

The medicine is administered rectally. For SARS or influenza, the dose for adults and children over 7 years of age is: 1 suppository 2 times / day with an interval of 12 hours. The course of treatment is five days (this period can be extended according to clinical indications).

The medication can be used to treat viral hepatitis in children older than seven years. The prescribed dose is 1 suppository every 12 hours (twice a day). The total treatment is 14 days.

For urogenital infections, the dose for adults: one suppository twice a day (12 hour interval). Treatment takes 5-10 days. Pregnant women who have a urogenital or herpes infection can use Viferon from the 14th week of gestation.

Dosage – one suppository every 12 hours (2 times / day). The procedure must be repeated for 10 days. Then for nine days three times with an interval of three days (on the 4th day) 1 candle after 12 hours (2 times / day).

Further, Viferon 150 is used. If necessary, Viferon 500 can be used, but from the 38th week of gestation (immediately before childbirth), one suppository every 12 hours (2 times / day) for 10 days.

special instructions

Before using the medicine during pregnancy and lactation, some important points should be considered. There are also features that you need to pay attention to when treating children with Viferon.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

It is allowed to be treated with the drug during pregnancy from the fourteenth week. There are no restrictions on the use of the drug during breastfeeding.

Nuances of application in pediatrics

For treatment with Viferon 500, a child by age must be at least 7 years old.

Side effects

Extremely rarely, allergic reactions of the body are possible. Skin rashes and itching may appear.

What to do in case of overdose

Cases of drug overdose are not officially registered. However, if during treatment there is a deterioration in the state of health, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Cross drug interaction

The medication goes well with any medication. It is compatible with antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs.

Price and holiday conditions

The cost of Viferon 500 in pharmacies is from 352 rubles. up to 429 r. A doctor’s prescription is not required to purchase the medicine.

Storage rules and expiration date

Medicine has to be in protected from light, and also the place, unavailable to children. The storage temperature should not be lower than +2 and not higher than +8 degrees Celsius. The shelf life of the drug is 2 years.

Medicine analogs

The drug can be replaced with similar drugs that are similar in composition and effective in the treatment of the same diseases, namely:

1. Genferon . The active ingredients are interferon, benzocaine, taurine. Suppositories rectal and vaginal. Immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral agent, has a systemic and local effect. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is reached after five hours. Effective in the treatment of genital herpes, trichomoniasis, papillomavirus infection, bartholinitis, prostatitis, chlamydia, urethritis, ureaplasmosis, acute bronchitis (as part of complex therapy). When used, allergic reactions are possible. Can be used in the treatment of pregnant women (except the first trimester of pregnancy).
2. Kipferon . The active substances are interferon, as well as an immunoglobulin complex preparation. Suppositories rectal or vaginal. Antiviral, antichlamydial, immunomodulating agent. It is used for acute respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and mouth, dysentery, salmonellosis, intestinal dysbacteriosis, urogenital chlamydia, cervical erosion. Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy. Individual intolerance to the drug is possible.
3. Laferobion . The active substance is interferon. May be in the form of nasal drops or powder, as well as an injection solution. Antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent. Used to treat SARS. With increased sensitivity of the body to the drug, you should stop taking it. Not recommended during lactation and pregnancy. May cause allergic reactions and, in rare cases, bronchospasm.
4. Anaferon. White tablets. The active ingredients are antibodies to human interferon gamma. Antiviral, as well as immunomodulatory medicine. Stimulates cellular and humoral immune response. It has an antimutagenic effect. It is used to treat herpes, SARS, influenza, chickenpox, enterovirus, bacterial infections, rotavirus. The drug is not used for individual intolerance.

Patient reviews and doctors’ opinions about the drug

Opinions of patients about Viferon differ. For some, it helps a lot, and for others, it does not have any effect.

Irina Vladimirovna, housewife: “I got the flu. There was a high temperature, which did not go astray. The general condition left much to be desired: she was shaking, her head ached, she was weak, she could not think of anything. The husband bought Viferon at the pharmacy. Introduced it rectally. I quickly felt the first symptoms of relief. She was treated daily for five days, the disease quickly receded.

Olga, pregnant: “There was a little trouble, during the second trimester of pregnancy, chlamydia was discovered. There was a panic, I was afraid to harm the child during treatment. I am very glad that the doctor prescribed Viferon 500, it is harmless to the unborn baby. I recovered without consequences.

Victoria, mom: “My 10-year-old son fell ill with SARS. He has problems with his stomach, so we decided to purchase rectal suppositories to treat a viral infection, and chose Viferon. A suppository was introduced without any problems, they were treated for several days, they followed the instructions, but they did not achieve a positive effect.

Doctors actively prescribe the drug, and most of them consider it effective in the treatment of viral diseases. The medicine can be used by pregnant women and even children, but you must strictly follow the instructions and dosage.

A big mistake is the uncontrolled use of medication to raise immunity. If the body shows an allergic reaction, then the use of the drug is prohibited.

Viferon 500 is an effective safe medicine for the treatment of herpes infections, viral hepatitis, urogenital diseases, SARS and influenza.

Due to the fact that the drug is administered rectally, it does not harm the stomach and liver, it is quickly absorbed into the body. The drug is approved for use by pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy and children from seven years of age. It goes well with other drugs and has virtually no contraindications.