"Viferon": what it helps with, instructions for use, where to buy at a good price

Treating ARVI, influenza and other viral infections is usually more difficult than preventing them, especially in childhood. For successful prevention, take drugs with an immunomodulatory effect, for example, Viferon ointment. This is an inexpensive and quite effective drug that can be used not only by adults, but also by newborns, including premature babies.

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

• A41.9 Septicemia, unspecified
• A49.3 Mycoplasma infection, unspecified
• A59.0 Urogenital trichomoniasis
• A74.9 Chlamydial infection, unspecified
• B00.0 Herpetic eczema
• B00.1 Herpetic vesicular dermatitis
• B18 Chronic viral hepatitis
• B25.9 Cytomegalovirus disease, unspecified
• B34 Viral infection of unspecified localization
• B37.3 Candidiasis of the vulva and vagina (N77.1*)
• G03.9 Meningitis, unspecified
• J06 Acute upper respiratory tract infections of multiple and unspecified localization
• J11 Influenza, virus not identified
• J18 Pneumonia without specifying the pathogen
• N39.0 Urinary tract infection without established location
• N76 Other inflammatory diseases of the vagina and vulva
• O35.3 Fetal injury (suspected) due to maternal viral disease requiring maternal medical attention
• O35.8 Other fetal anomalies and lesions (suspected) requiring maternal medical attention

Compound

Pharmacodynamics

Human recombinant interferon alpha-2b has pronounced immunomodulatory, antiviral, antiproliferative properties, suppresses the replication of RNA and DNA viruses.

The complex composition of the drugs (ointment, suppositories, gel) causes a number of new additional effects: in the presence of antioxidants (tocopherol acetate and/or ascorbic acid), the specific antiviral activity of human recombinant alpha-2b interferon increases, its immunomodulatory effect on T- and B-lymphocytes increases , the level of secretory immunoglobulins of class A increases, the level of immunoglobulin E normalizes, and the functioning of the endogenous interferon alpha-2b system is restored. Ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol acetate, being highly active antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilizing, and regenerating properties. The use of the drug VIFERON® as part of complex therapy makes it possible to reduce therapeutic doses of antibacterial and hormonal drugs, as well as reduce the toxic effects of this therapy.

It has been established that when using the drug VIFERON® there are no side effects that occur with parenteral administration of interferon alfa-2b preparations, and no antibodies are formed that neutralize the antiviral activity of interferon alfa-2b.

Interaction

No interactions with drugs for external or local use have been noted.

Rectal suppositories go well with all medications that are used to treat the pathologies described in the recommendations section.

Viferon is combined with:

• Immunosuppressants
• Medicines for chemotherapy
• Hormonal medications
• Antibacterial agents

Indications for the drug Viferon®

Ointment

viral (including herpetic) lesions of the skin and mucous membranes of various localizations;

treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in children over 1 year of age.

Gel

in complex therapy of ARVI, incl. influenza, frequent and prolonged acute respiratory viral infections, incl. complicated by bacterial infection;

prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza;

in complex therapy of recurrent stenotic laryngotracheobronchitis;

prevention of recurrent stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis;

in complex therapy of acute and exacerbations of chronic recurrent herpetic infections of the skin and mucous membranes, incl. urogenital form of herpetic infection;

in complex therapy of herpetic cervicitis.

Suppositories

In complex therapy:

ARVI, including influenza, incl. complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) in children and adults;

infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, incl. premature babies: meningitis (bacterial, viral), sepsis, intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, CMV infection, enterovirus infection, candidiasis, including visceral, mycoplasmosis);

chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children and adults, incl. in combination with the use of plasmapheresis and hemosorption for chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity, complicated by cirrhosis of the liver;

infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract (chlamydia, CMV infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis) in adults;

primary or recurrent herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, localized form, mild to moderate course, incl. urogenital form in adults.

When can the medicine be used?

The drug is indicated for the treatment of respiratory infections of viral etiology. The medicine effectively relieves symptoms of influenza, respiratory syncytial, rhinovirus and other infections. It is actively used to treat COVID-19, including in children, pregnant and lactating women. The medication can be used even with the addition of bacterial flora:

• Inflammation of the membranes and tissue of the brain;
• Infection in the womb (cytomegalovirus, herpes, candidiasis, chlamydia, etc.);
• Pneumonia;
• Pathologies of the reproductive organs (trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, HPV and others).

Viferon can be prescribed together with antibacterial and antifungal medications, as it increases the immune defense of the entire body.

The product is effective against viral intestinal diseases, namely: rotavirus, enterovirus. When using the drug, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intoxication quickly go away.

The medicine is often used for herpetic rashes caused by Herpes simplex types 1 and 2. The product relieves itching and rash.

The drug can be used even in newborns and premature infants. It does not cause serious complications and is non-toxic.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ointment: since when applied externally and locally, the systemic absorption of interferon is low and the drug has an effect only in the lesion, it is possible to use the drug VIFERON® during pregnancy and lactation.

Gel: since the systemic absorption of interferon when applied topically is low and the drug has an effect only in the lesion, it is possible to use the drug VIFERON® during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During lactation, do not use the drug on the area of ​​the nipples and areola.

Suppositories: the drug is approved for use from the 14th week of pregnancy. There are no restrictions for use during lactation.

The difference between VIFERON suppositories and Ointment and Gel: local and systemic action

The main difference between rectal suppositories and external forms of the drug (ointment and gel) is their systemic effect. This means that the incoming active substances (interferon and vitamins E and C) exert their therapeutic effect on the entire body, providing a generalized approach to the treatment of a particular disease. VIFERON Ointment and Gel act locally, that is, only at the site of application. They do not have a systemic effect. That is why experts often recommend both forms: local and systemic, in order to enhance the clinical effectiveness of therapy.

Side effects

Ointment: in most cases, VIFERON® is well tolerated. When applied to the nasal mucosa, side effects are weak and transient and disappear on their own after discontinuation of the drug.

Gel: in extremely rare cases, a local allergic reaction may occur in some highly sensitive individuals. In such cases, stop using the drug.

Suppositories: in rare cases - allergic reactions (skin rashes, itching). These phenomena are reversible and disappear 72 hours after stopping the drug.

special instructions

The drug should not be used for generalized or atypical herpetic infections. Since the medicine can cause an allergic reaction, it is not prescribed for atopic dermatitis or eczematous rashes. The drug is not recommended for:

• tumor processes on the skin,
• familial pemphigus Gougereau-Hailey,
• mental disorders,
• simultaneous use of sedative drugs,
• neutropenia less than 1.5×109,
• the platelet count in the blood is less than 90,000/µl,
• diseases in which there is a disruption of the central nervous system.

Directions for use and doses

Ointment, externally and locally. For herpes infection, apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas 3-4 times a day and rub in gently. Duration of treatment is 5–7 days. It is recommended to begin treatment immediately when the first signs of damage to the skin and mucous membranes appear (itching, burning, redness). When treating recurrent herpes, it is advisable to begin treatment in the prodromal period or at the very beginning of the appearance of signs of relapse.

To treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages 3-4 times a day throughout the entire period of the disease.

Children from 1 year to 2 years - 2500 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 0.5 cm) 3 times a day; from 2 to 12 years - 2500 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 0.5 cm) 4 times a day; from 12 to 18 years - 5000 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 1 cm) 4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 5 days.

Gel, externally and locally.

In the complex therapy of ARVI, including influenza, long-term and frequent ARVI, incl. complicated by a bacterial infection: a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the previously dried surface of the nasal mucosa and/or to the surface of the tonsils 3-5 times a day using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab (see Note). The course of treatment is 5 days; if necessary, the course can be extended.

Prevention of ARVI, including influenza: during the period of rising incidence, a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the previously dried surface of the nasal mucosa and/or to the surface of the tonsils 2 times a day for 2–4 weeks.

In complex therapy of recurrent stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis: a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the surface of the palatine tonsils using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab in the acute period of the disease 5 times a day, for 5–7 days, then 3 times a day day for the next 3 weeks.

Prevention of recurrent stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis: a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the surface of the tonsils using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab 2 times a day for 3-4 weeks, courses are repeated 2 times a year.

In complex therapy of acute and chronic recurrent herpetic infection (at the first signs of the disease or during the period of warning signs): a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab to a previously dried affected surface 3–5 times per day. day for 5–6 days, if necessary, the duration of the course is increased until clinical manifestations disappear.

In complex therapy of herpetic cervicitis: 1 ml of gel is applied with a cotton swab to the surface of the cervix, previously cleared of mucus, 2 times a day for 7 days; if necessary, the duration of the course can be increased to 14 days.

Note. The gel is applied to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity after cleansing the nasal passages, and to the surface of the palatine tonsils - 30 minutes after eating. When applying the gel to the tonsils, do not touch the tonsils with a cotton swab, but only with the gel; the gel flows down on its own along the surface of the tonsil. When applying the gel to the cervix, you should first remove mucus and discharge from the vaginal vaults and cervix with a cotton or gauze swab.

When applying the gel to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes, after 30–40 minutes a thin film is formed, onto which the drug is again applied. If desired, the film can be peeled off or washed off with water before reapplying the drug.

Suppositories, rectally.

1 suppository contains human recombinant interferon alpha-2b as an active substance in the indicated dosages (150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU).

Acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, incl. complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) in children and adults as part of complex therapy. Recommended dose for adults, including pregnant women and children over 7 years old VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Children under 7 years old, incl. For newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, it is recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.

Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 3 times a day after 8 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, incl. premature babies: meningitis (bacterial, viral), sepsis, intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, CMV infection, enterovirus infection, candidiasis, including visceral, mycoplasmosis) as part of complex therapy. Recommended dose for newborns, incl. premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks VIFERON® 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 3 times a day after 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Recommended number of courses for various infectious and inflammatory diseases: sepsis - 2-3 courses, meningitis - 1-2 courses, herpes infection - 2 courses, enterovirus infection - 1-2 courses, CMV infection - 2-3 courses, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis , including visceral - 2-3 courses. The break between courses is 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children and adults as part of complex therapy, incl. in combination with the use of plasmapheresis and hemosorption for chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity, complicated by cirrhosis of the liver. The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 3,000,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours every day for 10 days, then 3 times a week every other day for 6–12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.

For children under 6 months of age, 300,000–500,000 IU per day is recommended; at the age of 6 to 12 months - 500,000 IU per day.

For children aged 1 to 7 years, 3,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area per day is recommended.

For children over 7 years old, 5,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area per day is recommended.

The drug is used 2 times a day every 12 hours for the first 10 days, then 3 times a week every other day for 6–12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.

The daily dose of the drug for each patient is calculated by multiplying the recommended dose for a given age by the body surface area calculated using the nomogram for calculating body surface area by height and weight according to Garford, Terry and Rourke. The calculation of a single dose is carried out by dividing the calculated daily dose into 2 administrations, the resulting value is rounded up to the dosage of the suppository.

In case of chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity and liver cirrhosis, before plasmapheresis and/or hemosorption, it is recommended to use VIFERON® 150,000 IU for children under 7 years of age, VIFERON® 500,000 IU for children over 7 years of age, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. within 14 days.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract (chlamydia, CMV infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis) in adults, including pregnant women as part of complex therapy. The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5–10 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from 14 weeks of gestation) are recommended VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times for 9 days with an interval of 3 days (on the 4th day) 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Then every 4 weeks until delivery VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, it is indicated before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation) VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days.

Primary or recurrent herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, localized form, mild to moderate course, incl. urogenital form in adults, including pregnant women. The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 1,000,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days or more for recurrent infections. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. It is recommended to begin treatment immediately when the first signs of damage to the skin and mucous membranes appear (itching, burning, redness). When treating recurrent herpes, it is advisable to begin treatment in the prodromal period or at the very beginning of signs of relapse.

Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from 14 weeks of gestation) are recommended VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times for 9 days with an interval of 3 days (on the 4th day) 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Then every 4 weeks until delivery VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, it is indicated before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation) VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days.

Treatment of various infections in adult patients

In adults, for ARVI, influenza and other pathologies of viral etiology, 500,000 IU is prescribed twice a day. Therapy lasts 5-10 days. If treatment needs to be continued, after completing the first course, take a break for 5 days, after which the therapy is repeated.

Pathologies caused by the herpes virus are indicated to be treated with a dosage of 1,000,000 IU twice a day. The course of treatment lasts 1.5 weeks. With frequent relapses, the course of therapy can last more than 1.5 weeks.

During pregnancy with a viral urogenital infection (including herpes), it is recommended to put a suppository of 500,000 IU twice a day for 1.5 weeks. Then twice a week, 1,000,000 IU per day (course therapy - 1.5 weeks). After a month, preventive therapy is indicated at a dose of 150,000 IU twice a day for 5 days. It is possible to repeat prophylaxis before childbirth.

For viral hepatitis, the medicine is indicated in a dose of 3,000,000 IU twice a day every day for 1.5 weeks. Afterwards, a maintenance course of 3,000,000 IU is prescribed every other day for six months to a year. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor depending on the results of laboratory tests and the patient’s well-being.

For the drug to work correctly, you need to know where to store Viferon suppositories. The medication should be stored in a cool place so that the candle keeps its shape and does not melt. The optimal temperature is 2–8 °C.