Why and for what Viferon suppositories are prescribed: instructions for use

Introduction

Today, viral diseases occupy one of the leading places in the world in terms of the number of cases of infection. The most common and well-known of them are SARS, influenza, various forms of hepatitis, as well as the herpes virus of various types.

For the treatment and prevention of these diseases, Viferon, a well-known drug with antiviral activity based on interferon, can be used. It is produced in the form of gels and ointments for external use and in the form of suppositories.

Indications for the use of suppositories

Viferon in the form of suppositories has a wide spectrum of action. Therefore, it is prescribed for the following infections:

• Acute respiratory diseases caused by viruses.
• Influenza and influenza with complications in the form of pneumonia.
• Diseases of newborns and premature infants caused by meningococcal infection, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus.
• Hepatitis of viral etiology B, C and D in a chronic form for all ages.
• In gynecological and urological practice in complex therapy for bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, relapses of vaginal candidiasis, ureaplasmosis, human papillomavirus, gardnerellosis, trichomoniasis and mycoplasmosis.
• Primary herpes 1 and 2 types and its relapses, with mild and moderate severity.

Characteristics of the drug

Viferon is a Russian-made drug based on interferon. It is used for the purpose of prevention and treatment of diseases of a viral nature. The main component of the drug is human alpha-2b interferon, which has antiviral activity and helps to strengthen the immune system.

In complex therapy, this medicine helps to reduce the doses of antibiotics and hormonal substances, as well as reduce their toxic effect on the body as a whole.

Suppositories are administered rectally, which helps to achieve a high percentage of absorption of the medicinal substance, and also ensures the rapid and maximum flow of the drug into the blood. This method of administration contributes to an effective and long-term therapeutic effect on the body.

Compound

Suppositories include:

• interferon alpha-2b human recombinant in different dosages, providing antiviral and immunomodulating properties of the drug;
• α-tocopherol acetate – a strong antioxidant, stabilizes and regenerates cell membranes;
• ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate have an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulate the immune system;
• cocoa butter and confectionery fat are the basis of suppositories, help facilitate the administration and dissolution of the drug;
• disodium edetate dihydrate and polysorbate excipients.

Dosage forms

Viferon is produced in three types:

• gel;
• ointment;
• candles.

Viferon in the form of a white or gray-white gel, is available in a tube. The active substance content is 36.000 IU. It is used topically most often for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections or the influenza virus, or when the mucous membranes are affected by the herpes simplex virus and genital, as well as recurrent inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi.

After applying the gel to the skin and mucous membranes, it dries and forms a thin film. When reapplying the film, it is recommended to carefully remove it. It is recommended to store the tube in the refrigerator, after opening it should be used within two months.

Viscous ointment based on lanolin and petroleum jelly, which provide a specific smell and yellow color. Contains interferon in the amount of 40.000 IU. The ointment is used to treat diseases of viral etiology, such as influenza and herpes.

It is applied with a cotton swab in the form of a thin layer on damaged skin and mucous membranes. After application in the nasal cavity, in some cases, there may be a burning sensation and an increase in mucus secretion.

These undesirable manifestations disappear on their own after the drug is removed and its use is stopped, additional treatment is not required.

Viferon suppositories are white suppositories, sometimes with a yellow tint, elongated, with a diameter of not more than 10 mm, are produced in blisters of 10 pieces per pack.

Candles are made on the basis of cocoa butter containing phospholipids, which helps to abandon synthetic toxic emulsifiers in the production of this dosage form.

And the presence of oil and fat contributes to easy administration and rapid dissolution. Suppositories differ in the content of interferon and are sold in the following dosages: 150 thousand ME, 500 thousand ME, 1 million ME and 3 million ME.

All these dosage forms of interferon ensure the simplicity and safety of self-administration of the drug. This greatly facilitates the treatment of patients at home, both adults and children from birth.

We recommend to figure out whether it is possible to take Viferon suppositories for children up to a year .

Pharmacological properties

Interferon alpha-2b human recombinant eliminates the activity of viruses, disrupting the synthesis of cells that have viral RNA and DNA in their nucleus in the human body. Stimulates own immunity, due to the activation of macrophages and lymphocytes.

Due to the content of vitamins C and E, the antiviral activity of interferon is enhanced, as well as the work of the body’s own immunity, which suppresses the reproduction of pathogenic microflora.

The content of type A immunoglobulins in the blood increases and the level of immunoglobulins E returns to normal. Thanks to this, the body’s own forces are restored to fight viruses.

The vitamins present also have an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect on the cells in the tissues.

Pros and cons of the drug: how do they affect the immune system?

Any drug when taken shows both a positive effect and a negative one. The positive qualities of Viferon include:

• ease of use of the drug;
• fast absorption and high bioavailability;
• use in patients of all ages;
• the possibility of prescribing during pregnancy and lactation;
• a wide range of action on different types of viruses;
• low percentage of side effects;
• the purchase of the drug is possible without a doctor’s prescription;
• interacts favorably with other drugs;
• has an immunomodulatory effect, promotes the activation of nonspecific immunity of the body.

The negative properties include:

• the occurrence of allergic reactions to the components in the composition of the drug.

What types of viferon suppositories are: dosage

Viferon suppositories are available in four types: 150 thousand ME, 500 thousand ME, 1 million ME and 3 million ME. The use of specific suppositories with a certain content of interferon will depend on the diagnosis and age.

For children: 150,000 IU and 500,000 IU.

Perhaps the appointment of this interferon in pediatric practice is prescribed to children from birth, including those born after 34 weeks of pregnancy. Candles are used in dosages of 150.000ME and 500.000ME.

Depending on the disease and its severity, they can be prescribed in different dosages, not exceeding the daily dose appropriate for age. Also, Viferon is prescribed in one or more courses with a mandatory break.

Babies from birth to six months should not exceed more than 300 thousand IU per day, from six months to a year 500 thousand IU per day. After a year and up to 7 years, the amount of interferon per day is based on 1 m2 of body surface area, but should not exceed 3 million IU, from 7 years onwards it is considered in the same way, not exceeding 5 million IU per day.

For adult women and men: 1.000.000 IU and 3.000.000 IU

The dosage for adults will be equal to 1 million IU and 3 million IU for a single use. The frequency and duration of the course will depend on the diagnosis made by the specialist. A second course is prescribed based on the effectiveness after administration and the results of the tests.

Instructions for use

The use of Viferon is determined based on the diagnosis, taking into account the age and severity of the disease.

For newborns up to 6 months and premature babies

In children under six months and born after 34 weeks of pregnancy:

• For acute respiratory diseases and influenza: 150 thousand IU, 2 times a day (with an interval of 12 hours) for 5 days. Repeated treatment can be prescribed by a doctor with a break of 5 days.
• Meningitis, intrauterine infection, herpes: the same technique as with ARVI. However, there may be several courses of treatment.
• Hepatitis of viral etiology B, C, D: 300 thousand-500 thousand IU per day, taking the drug every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times a week 1 time in 2 days, duration 6-12 months.

For those born before 34 weeks of intrauterine development:

• Meningitis, intrauterine infection, herpes: 150 thousand IU, 3 times a day (with an interval of 8 hours), 5 days. Often prescribed from two or more courses.

For children from six months to a year

• SARS and influenza: apply 150 thousand IU, 2 times a day, 5 days. The issue of re-use is decided by the doctor.
• Meningitis, intrauterine infection, herpes: a similar treatment regimen, as in ARVI. However, the recommended number of courses is at least two.
• Hepatitis of viral etiology B, C, D: 500 thousand IU per day, taking the drug every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times a week, 1 time in 2 days, duration 6-12 months.

For children over 12 months

Treatment of children older than a year will be completely the same as up to a year, up to 7 years.

After 7 years, the number of IU per single dose increases.

• SARS and influenza: 500 thousand IU, 2 times a day, 5 days. If necessary, appoint repeatedly with a break between treatment of 5 days.
• Hepatitis of viral etiology B, C, D: from 1 year to 7 years, 3 million IU per 1 m2 of body surface area / day are recommended, over 7 years, 5 million IU per 1 m2 of body surface area / day are recommended.

For adult therapy

• SARS and influenza: used at a dose of 500 thousand IU, 2 times a day (every 12 hours), 5 days. If necessary, a second course is prescribed with a break between treatments of 5 days.
• In urogenital practice: 500 thousand ME, 2 times a day, up to 10 days. Depending on the final results of laboratory tests, the course of treatment can be prolonged.
• Herpes 1 and 2 types: 1 million IU, 2 times a day, 10 days.
• Hepatitis of viral etiology B, C, D: suppositories 3 million IU 2 times a day for 10 days daily, then 3 times a week 1 time in 2 days, duration 6-12 months.

The nuances of using the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Viferon, with the permission of a doctor, is used in pregnant women from the second trimester and lactating women. Its use during these periods of life reduces the viral load on a weakened woman’s body. In addition, the antigenic load on the unborn child is reduced.

Viferon during pregnancy reduces the number of pathological conditions of the expectant mother, and also helps to reduce the antigenic load, both for the pregnant woman and for the unborn child.

• SARS and influenza: the scheme is similar to that of adults.
• In urogenital practice: 500 thousand ME, every 12 hours, up to 10 days. Further, 1 candle 2 times a day, every fourth day for 10 days. Then every 4 weeks until delivery – 150 thousand IU every 12 hours for 5 days. They can be prescribed immediately before delivery from 38 weeks at a dose of 500 thousand ME every 12 hours for a course of 10 days. Depending on the test results, the course of treatment may be extended.
• Herpes types 1 and 2: treatment tactics will be similar to the treatment of urogenital infections.

Use as a prophylaxis

Interferons are widely used to prevent the spread of influenza and SARS viruses. Often, a gel containing interferon is used for this, which is applied to the nasal cavity and prevents the penetration of viruses by airborne droplets.

You can also use candles. When used as a prophylaxis, the frequency of diseases decreases, since this drug activates the cellular immunity of the body. It is used according to the scheme: 500 thousand IU 2 times a day at regular intervals (12 hours) for 7 days. This scheme is suitable for adults and children from 7 years.

Side effects of rectal suppositories

Side effects develop extremely rarely and disappear by the third day after stopping treatment. Among the negative effects, skin rashes and itching are noted. No specific treatment is required.

Existing contraindications

Candles Viferon have practically no contraindications.

It is forbidden to use only with individual intolerance to components.

Cross interaction with other drugs

Interferon is prescribed in conjunction with other drugs, since it does not affect their effectiveness. Therefore, you can not be afraid of the simultaneous use of several drugs at once.

Alcohol compatibility

Alcohol does not affect the concentration and bioavailability of interferon in the body. But, as you know, alcoholic beverages weaken the protective properties of the body and reduce immunity. Therefore, at the time of using Viferon, you should stop drinking alcohol.

Holiday conditions and storage rules

The drug can be purchased at the pharmacy network without a prescription. Viferon is recommended to be stored at a temperature of 2-8C°. The storage location must not be accessible to children. It is forbidden to use an expired medicine.

Medication cost

The cost of the drug will depend on the content of the active substance of the drug. Suppositories Viferon in the amount of 10 pieces:

• 150000ME – 220–295 rubles.
• 500000ME – 332–427 rubles.
• 1.000.000ME – 461–607 rubles
• 5.000.000ME – 846–1,047 rubles

Analogues

According to the content of the main component of interferon alpha-2b, there are several analogues for Viferon suppositories:

• Kipferon Alpharm, Russia, rectal suppositories 500.000 IU
• Genferon CJSC “BIOKAD”, Russia, genital and rectal suppositories, 250 thousand, 500 thousand. IU and 1 million IU
• Alfarekin Valartin Pharma Ukraine, is available in the form of rectal suppositories, in dosages of 250 thousand, 500 thousand, 1 million and 3 million IU

Reviews of patients and doctors about the drug

Gynecologist Savin A. E. [/ su_label] “Viferon often has to be prescribed in gynecology . I want to note the high efficiency in complex application. Good for stimulating the immune system.

Nedoshkulo K.T., a urologist “A good Russian-made drug, the price corresponds to the quality. I recommend to my patients with sexually transmitted diseases, in combination with antimicrobial drugs. Patients do not complain about side effects.

Daria: “ Viferon bought candles  for a child with SARS. I want to note the effectiveness of this drug. There were no complications of acute respiratory viral infections, the temperature was not high throughout the illness.”

Anna: “I had a cold in the second trimester of pregnancy. The doctor recommended Viferon suppositories. However, the disease proceeded acutely and with high fever. Therefore, I can not say about the effectiveness. But later I used these suppositories for prevention and at the first manifestations of ARVI as prescribed by the doctor. I didn’t get sick until the end of my pregnancy.”

Conclusion

Suppositories Viferon are widely used in diseases of viral etiology. Interferon alfa-2b, which is part of the composition, has a wide spectrum of antiviral action, which is a great advantage in the fight against infectious agents.

However, it should be remembered that the use of this drug is possible only as directed by a specialist. This will help reduce the risk of complications and exclude the development of other diseases.