Preparations containing interferon. Instructions for use

At the moment there are many ways to combat viral and oncological diseases. There are drugs, the effect of which covers both these areas. For example, these are preparations containing interferon, the instructions to which determine the immunomodulatory, antiviral and antitumor effect.

What is an interferon?

In essence, these are proteins that are contained in the blood. They are produced by the cells of the body during the invasion of viruses and other foreign agents. Interferons block the process of reproduction of viral RNA and DNA. Also, these proteins affect neighboring cells, making them immune to viruses. That is, they provide natural protection of the body. Almost all RNA and DNA-containing viruses are sensitive to interferon and can not adapt to its action.

During the disease, natural protection is disrupted, so additional funds are available in the form of preparations containing interferon. The instruction to them indicates various diseases for which they can be prescribed.

So, these funds are used to treat herpes, ARVI, influenza, hepatitis, fungal and bacterial infections, gynecological infections and even AIDS and cancer.

Dosage forms

For the treatment of cancer and hepatitis, interferon preparations are administered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly. With gynecological diseases, candles are used. During ARVI and influenza, intranasal drops or solutions for inhalation based on interferon are used. And inhalation can be used for children. For the treatment of herpes, ointment is used.

There are two types of drugs containing interferon. The first of these, leukocyte, is dangerous because there is a risk of contracting diseases that are transmitted through the blood. This is explained by the manufacturing method - such interferons in the form of a powder are made from human blood. It is based on the production of drops, solutions for inhalation and suppositories. Such drugs are also called first-generation interferons.

There are also second generation interferon preparations, they are also recombinant, that is, they are made by genetically engineered method. They are safer than leukocytes, since donor blood is not used when they are created.

When interferon can not be used?

In all cases, medications containing interferon may be used. The instruction to some of them points to an extensive list of side effects. Therefore, they are appointed only in extreme cases.

On the part of the digestive system, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, changes in taste, weight loss, and abdominal pain are possible. In rare cases, constipation occurs, ulcerative stomatitis, heartburn, flatulence, increased peristalsis, and even less often liver failure.

On the nervous system, these drugs can affect, causing a decrease in concentration, sleep disturbance, decreased cognitive functions, numbness of the limbs, convulsions, anxiety, dizziness.

Other negative effects include visual impairment, anemia, thyroid dysfunction. And this is far from all the side effects that can occur during the administration of medications containing interferon. The instruction for any of these medicines covers this issue in more detail.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity, renal or hepatic insufficiency, myocardial infarction, severe mental disorders, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, lactation period, epilepsy. And this is also not a complete list. However, for different drugs based on this substance, such criteria as contraindications, side effects and the scope of application may vary slightly, therefore, for obtaining more complete information on each of them, it is recommended to consult the instructions of the specific preparation.