Composition and release form
The product comes in two forms:
| Reaferon-EU | Reaferon-EC Lipint | |
| Description | White hygroscopic lyophilisate | Yellowish powder for oral suspension |
| Interferon concentration, IU per ampoule | 0.5, 1, 3 or 5 million | 250, 500 or 1000 thousand |
| Auxiliary components | Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, albumin, sodium dodecahydrate hydrogen phosphate, solution for infusion, sodium chloride | Lactose monohydrate, sodium chloride, alpha-tocopherol acetate, sodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate, cholesterol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, lipoid |
| Package | 5 ampoules or bottles each | 1 bottle each |
Contraindications for use
- Hypersensitivity,
- severe heart disease (including a history), acute myocardial infarction
- severe dysfunction of the liver, kidneys or hematopoietic system,
- epilepsy and/or other disorders of the central nervous system;
- chronic hepatitis against the background of decompensated cirrhosis of the liver;
- chronic hepatitis in patients receiving or recently receiving immunosuppressant therapy (with the exception of short-term pre-treatment with steroids).
Restrictions on use: Pregnancy, breastfeeding (breastfeeding should be stopped), childhood.
Pharmacological properties
According to the instructions for use, the drug exhibits antiviral, immunomodulatory, antitumor activity in liposomes
. The antiviral effect manifests itself during the reproduction of the virus, which is actively involved in metabolic cellular processes and the action of enzymes. The immunomodulatory effect of the drug is characterized by the phagocytic activity of macrophages. This leads to a quantitative and qualitative change in the composition of secreted cytokines.
The antitumor effect of the drug is characterized by suppression of the synthesis of oncogenes, which suppress tumor growth. The drug reaches the maximum concentration after 2-4 hours, after a day it is no longer detectable. Metabolism is carried out by the liver, the residues are excreted by the kidneys.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Interferon is intended for oral administration. Its use orally is especially important in pediatric patients.
The active substance in the drug is human recombinant interferon alpha-2b, which is produced by bacterial cells of the Escherichia coli strain SG-20050/plF 16. The human interferon alpha-2b gene is built into their genetic structure. It is a protein consisting of 165 amino acids, and is completely identical in its parameters and properties to human leukocyte interferon alpha-2b.
The antiviral effect of the active substance of the drug lies in its active inclusion in the metabolic processes occurring in cells during the period of virus reproduction. Interferon alpha-2b interacts with specific receptors on the surface of cell membranes, which leads to intracellular changes. One of the most important processes is the synthesis of specific cytokines and enzymes (protein kinases and 2-5-adenylate synthetase), which prevent the formation of viral ribonucleic acid and viral protein in the cell.
Interferon alpha-2b has an immunomodulatory effect, manifested in changes in the production and secretion of intracellular proteins, changes in the composition (qualitative and quantitative) of released cytokines, an increase in the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and an intensification of the specific cytotoxic effect of lymphocytes on target cells.
When the drug is taken orally, interferon alfa-2b is protected from destruction in the human body by a liposome shell, which ensures the passage of the substance through the digestive tract with virtually no destruction. Penetrating the liver, the substance is absorbed into the blood, where it is slowly released.
When taken orally, the concentration of internal human interferon is 100% higher than when administered by injection. Reaferon-EC-Lipint is optimally suited for the prevention and emergency treatment of influenza and ARVI, reducing the risk of symptoms of the disease by more than 2 times.
The drug contains vitamins C and E, which enhance its antiviral effect 14 times.
Indications for use
Instructions for use of Reaferon indicate its indications:
- acute viral hepatitis B;
- acute protracted hepatitis B, C;
- stage 4 kidney cancer;
- hairy cell leukemia;
- malignant lymphomas of the skin;
- Kaposi's sarcoma;
- essential thrombocytomy;
- basal cell, squamous cell skin cancer;
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis;
- viral conjunctivitis, keratouveitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratoiridocyclitis;
- chronic myeloid leukemia;
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia;
- respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx.
Articles on the topic
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- Pain-relieving ointments for children with bruises and injuries - effective remedies with description
- Viferon - instructions for use, active ingredient, dosage for children and adults, reviews
The effect of the medication
The active substance contained in the drug is produced by certain strains of bacteria. Their genes first integrate interferon alpha, a protein consisting of one hundred and sixty-five amino acids, which is synthesized in the human body.
The medicine begins to have an effect against viruses as a result of interferon joining the metabolism. It begins to interact with receptors located on the surface of pathogenic cells, provoking many changes, which include the production of enzymes and cytokines. These substances stop the activity of pathogens.
Interferon enhances the activity of macrophages - the body's main defenders from pathogenic microbes, and improves the functionality of lymphocytes.
The substance also helps to change the composition of produced cytokines, the activity of immune system cells, and the production of proteins inside cells.
How to take Reaferon
The lyophilisate for preparing the solution is used subcutaneously, intramuscularly, locally, subconjunctivally. The contents of the ampoule are mixed with water for injection or saline solution (1-5 ml) for three minutes. Dosages are administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously according to the instructions for use:
| Disease | Dosage, million IU per day | Input frequency, once a day | Course of treatment, days | Note |
| Acute hepatitis B | 1 | 2 | 5-6 | Then the dose is reduced to 1 million IU per day over a course of 5 days. If necessary, treatment continues at 1 million IU twice a week for 14 days. The total dose will be 15-21 million IU. |
| Acute protracted or chronic hepatitis B | 1 | 2 per week | 30-60 | If there is no effect, treatment lasts 3-6 months, after the end of 1-2 months of therapy, 2-3 courses are carried out with an interval of 1-6 months. |
| Chronic hepatitis B | 0,5-1 | Twice a week | 30 | Repeat after 1-6 months. |
| Chronic viral hepatitis B with liver cirrhosis | 0,25-0,5 | Twice a week | 30 | When decompensation develops, courses are carried out at intervals of 2 months. |
| Acute protracted, chronic hepatitis C | 3 | Three times a week | 6-8 months | Treatment lasts a year and is repeated after 3-6 months. |
| Kidney cancer | 3 | 1 | 10 | Repeat at intervals of 3 weeks. The total dose will be 120-300 million IU. |
| Hairy cell leukemia | 3-6 | 1 | 60 | After normalization, the dose is reduced to 1-2 million IU, the maintenance dosage will be 3 million IU twice a week for a course of 6-7 weeks. The total dose will be 420-600 million units. |
| Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children | 1 | Once a week | 6 months | Then every two weeks for a two-year course with maintenance chemotherapy. |
| Malignant lymphomas, Kaposi's sarcoma | 3 | 1 | 10 | Combined with cytostatics and glucocorticosteroids. At the tumor stage of mycosis, reticulosis and reticulosarcomatosis, alternate intramuscular administration of 3 million units and intralesional administration of 2 million units for a course of 10 days. Maintenance therapy consists of administering 3 million units once a week for a course of 6-7 weeks. |
| Chronic myeloid leukemia | 3 daily or 6 every other day | 2.5-6 months | ||
| Langerhans cell histiocytosis | 3 | 1 | 30 | Repeat after 1-2 months with a course of 1-3 years |
| Subleukemic myelosis, thrombocythemia | 1 | 1 | 20 | In case of a high pyrogenic reaction to administration, paracetamol and Indomethacin are prescribed simultaneously. |
| Respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx | 0.1-0.15 per kg weight | 1 | 45-50 | Then the dosage is administered three times a week for a course of 30 days. Courses 2 and 3 are carried out at 2-6 month intervals |
The drug is administered perifocally, locally and subconjunctivally:
| Disease | Dosage, million IU | Frequency of application, once a day | Course of treatment, days | Notes |
| Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma | 1 | 1 | 10 | Under the lesion. In case of severe inflammation, injection is carried out once every 1-2 days. |
| Stromal keratitis, keratoiridocyclitis | 0.06 in 0.5 ml | 1 or every other day | 15-25 | Subconjunctival injections under local anesthesia with Dicaine. |
| Conjunctivitis, superficial keratitis | 2 drops of solution | 6-8 | 14 | The contents are dissolved in 5 ml of saline solution and dripped into the eyes. As healing progresses, the number of instillations decreases to 3-4. |
The drug Reaferon EC-lipint is administered orally. Add 1-2 ml of water to the contents, mix for 1-5 minutes until a suspension is obtained, take half an hour before meals. The instructions for use provide the following doses:
| Disease | Dosage, million IU | Frequency of administration, once a day | Course duration, days | Note |
| Acute hepatitis B | 1 | 2 | 10 | |
| Chronic hepatitis B | 1 | 2 | 10 | Then for a month, every other day, once a day at night. |
| Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis | 0,5 | 1 | 10 | In the morning, the rate will be 5 million units. |
| Atopic bronchial asthma | 0,5 | 1 | 10 | Then 500 thousand units every other day for 20 days. In total, the treatment lasts a month. |
| Prevention of ARVI and influenza | 0,5 | Twice a week | 30 | |
| Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza | 0,5 | 2 | 3 | |
| Urogenital infections | 0,5 | 2 | 10 | |
| Febrile form of tick-borne encephalitis | 0,5 | 2 | 7 | |
| Meningoencephalitis | 0,5 | 2 | 10 | |
| Emergency prevention of encephalitis | 0,5 | 2 | 5 | At the same time, anti-tick immunoglobulin is administered intramuscularly no later than 4 days after the bite. Dose – 0.1 ml/kg body weight. |
Reviews about Reaferon-ES-Lipint
Reviews of Reaferon-ES-Lipint as a prophylactic agent during seasonal exacerbations of influenza and acute respiratory infections are mostly positive. Good treatment results are noted by both adult patients and parents who used the drug to strengthen the immunity of their children.
Among the reviews that relate to the treatment of other diseases included in the indications for the use of this drug, there are isolated negative responses associated with side effects. The latter are mainly the result of violation of storage or transportation conditions.
special instructions
During treatment with the drug, general blood tests are taken from the patient every 2 weeks, and biochemical tests are taken every month. When the number of platelets and neutrophils decreases, the dose is halved
. If changes have not occurred after 1-2 weeks, therapy is canceled. Other special instructions from the instructions for use:
- The drug is discontinued if immediate hypersensitivity develops (bronchospasm, anaphylaxis).
- The drug is prescribed with caution for chronic severe lung diseases, diabetes mellitus, a tendency to ketoacidosis, myelosuppression, bleeding disorders, and a predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
- Long-term treatment with Reaferon can lead to pneumonitis and pneumonia. Glucocorticosteroids can relieve pulmonary syndrome.
- If depression develops, the patient is placed under psychiatric control, including six months after the end of therapy. Suicidal thoughts are possible in children and adolescents.
- Long-term use of the drug threatens visual impairment and the appearance of antibodies to interferon. Elderly patients may develop coma, seizures, and encephalopathy.
- If hypotension develops, ensure adequate hydration.
- In patients after kidney or bone marrow transplantation, therapy is less effective.
- Rarely, psoriasis and sarcoidosis may occur or worsen during treatment.
- During treatment, you should be careful when operating vehicles and machinery.
Reaferon and Transfer factor
Reaferon, the price of which is about 1000 rubles per package containing 5 bottles, sometimes has to be taken for a fairly long period of time to achieve results.
Since one package, that is, 5 bottles, is enough for only one day of therapy, the total course of treatment for the patient will cost an amount that is difficult to calculate, because in each individual case the number of doses is different and for the treatment of oncology alone you will have to spend an amount of approximately equal to 15,000 rubles. In addition, you will have to treat all side effects that may arise due to such long-term use of this drug.
The use of the drug Transfer Factor, which performs all the same functions as Reaferon, will help provide the body with reliable protection from the effects of various negative factors, including the effects of Reaferon. The cost of Transfer Factor for a package of 90 capsules is 2000 - 2700 rubles, and its effect on the body is much deeper than many other medical products. This drug has no side effects or contraindications, and is also not addictive. Transfer factor eliminates damage in the DNA structure, which is directly related to eliminating the cause of the disease.
Reaferon for children
To treat a child, Reaferon oral suspension is used. Its dosages are indicated in the instructions for use:
| Disease | Dose, million IU | Frequency of administration, once a day | Duration of treatment, days | Note |
| Acute hepatitis B | 0,5 | 1 | 10 | Half an hour before meals. |
| Chronic hepatitis B | 0,5 | 2 | 10 | Then 500 thousand units in a monthly course every other day at night. |
| Flu prevention | 0,25 | Twice a week | 30 | |
| ARVI therapy | 0,25 | 2 | 3 |
Description
Reaferon-EC is the first domestic interferon drug - recombinant interferon alpha-2.
Absolutely identical to human leukocyte interferon. Reaferon-EC has pronounced antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, Reaferon-EC finds its main application in the treatment of dangerous infectious diseases, one of them is hepatitis. Reaferon-EC is especially effective and often has no alternatives in complex therapy, as well as in monotherapy for acute and chronic hepatitis of various etiologies, because the basis of most treatment regimens for viral hepatitis is interferon.
As a result of studies, it was revealed that in 45% of patients with hepatitis B who received treatment with recombinant interferon alpha-2, the hepatitis B virus was not detected at the end of treatment.
Treatment of hepatitis usually takes 6-12 months.
Drug interactions
Features of the use of Reaferon are indicated in the instructions for use:
- The drug reduces the activity of Warfarin, Cimetidine, cytostatics, Phenytoin, Diazepam, Curantil, Propranolol, Theophylline.
- The drug enhances the neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, myelotoxic effects of drugs.
- The medication is incompatible with immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids.
- Combinations of the drug with Aminophylline, Theophylline, and hydroxyurea are used with caution.
- During therapy you should not drink alcohol.
Restrictions on the use of the medication
"Reaferon" cannot be used for the following pathologies and conditions:
- High susceptibility to the components of the drug.
- Severe allergies.
- Lactase deficiency.
- The period of bearing and breastfeeding a child.
Those who have kidney and liver failure, pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, and also the thyroid gland should take the medicine with special caution. In the latter case, therapy should be carried out under the supervision of an endocrinologist. If the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it is recommended to conduct a TSH test. In the presence of cardiovascular pathologies, it is recommended to monitor heart activity by performing an ECG.
You should not drive a car or other machinery if a person feels tired and drowsy after taking the medicine.
With the simultaneous use of other drugs, their toxic effects may increase. You cannot use glucocorticosteroids and drink alcohol at the same time.
Side effects of Reaferon
During therapy with the drug, side effects indicated in the instructions may develop:
- myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, arterial hypotension, cardiomyopathy;
- hepatotoxicity, dry mouth, pancreatitis, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dyspepsia, jaundice;
- psychosis, irritability, neuropathy, nervousness, aggressiveness, depression, suicidal thoughts, asthenia, anxiety, insomnia;
- hair loss, skin rashes, increased sweating, itching;
- diabetes;
- hyperthrombocytosis, histiocytosis, thrombocytopenia;
- leukopenia, anemia, increased concentration of urea, creatinine;
- myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, convulsions;
- pneumonia, pharyngitis, dyspnea, cough;
- renal failure;
- sclerosis;
- inflammation of the follicles;
- anaphylaxis, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis;
- hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eyes, swelling of the conjunctiva;
- hearing impairment.
Complications and consequences
Usually the drug is well tolerated by patients without causing the development of side effects. But in some cases, which is quite rare, the following symptoms may occur:
- Fever accompanied by chills.
- Fatigue and drowsiness.
- Pain in the head area.
- Myalgia.
- Allergic reactions.
- Decreased appetite.
- Nausea.
- Anxiety and insomnia may occur as a result of prolonged use of the product.
- Changes in the functionality of the thyroid gland.
- Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
Swelling of the conjunctiva. If unpleasant symptoms develop, the drug should be stopped. It is recommended to contact your doctor for advice.
Analogs
The drug can be replaced by drugs with the same or a different composition with a similar effect. Reaferon analogues based on interferon alpha:
- Altevir, Avonex – solutions;
- Viferon, Betaferon, Genferon, Diaferon - candles;
- Grippferon – nasal drops, spray and nasal ointment;
- Kipferon, Roferon-A – vaginal and rectal suppositories;
- Giaferon – suppositories for vaginal and rectal administration;
- Intron, Interlock – syringe pen with solution;
- Laifferon – ampoules, lyophilisate.
Reaferon: price and sale
The drug has become very widespread on the Russian market. You can buy Reaferon without much effort either in a pharmacy or by ordering online. Data that Reaferon, the price of which is almost the same in different places of sale, is used quite often in medical practice, increases the chances of purchasing a counterfeit of this particular drug. In order to protect yourself from such a purchase, you must definitely ask the seller for a certificate of conformity for this product.
Existing data on the use of the drug characterize it on the positive side. Despite this fact, you should not ignore information about the possibility of various side effects and the existence of contraindications. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to take this drug after consulting with your doctor.
