Epigen (gel and spray) is a series of antiviral agents for external and local use.
The active ingredient of the gel is ammonium glycyrrhizinate, the spray is activated glycyrrhizinic acid.
Spray Epigen
Activated glycyrrhizic acid, which is obtained from licorice root, interrupts the replication of viruses at the earliest stages, which prevents them from entering cells.
Epigen Intim has a complex effect:
- antiviral.
- antipruritic.
- regenerating.
- anti-inflammatory.
- immunostimulating.
Glycyrrhizic acid increases the number and activity of T-lymphocytes when applied topically, induces the formation of interferon, increases the concentration of immunoglobulins A and M, but reduces the concentration of IgG.
The anti-inflammatory activity of the drug is combined with a stimulating effect on humoral and cellular immunity factors. Significantly inhibits the release of kinins by connective tissue cells in the area of inflammation.
Gel Epigen
It has antiviral properties, which are realized through stimulating effects on the cellular and humoral factors of the immune system.
Ammonium glycyrrhizinate significantly inhibits the release of kinins and the formation of prostaglandins by connective tissue cells in the pathological focus of inflammation. This is the basis for the regenerating effects of the pharmaceutical drug, manifested in improved repair of the skin and mucous membranes.
Epigen gel for intimate hygiene perfectly relieves itching and eliminates all the causes of its occurrence, helping to strengthen local immunity and increase the number of beneficial lactobacilli.
Nosological classification (ICD-10)
- A60 Anogenital herpetic viral infection [herpes simplex]
- A63.0 Anogenital (venereal) warts
- B00 Infections caused by herpes simplex virus
- B02 Herpes zoster
- B25.9 Cytomegalovirus disease, unspecified
- B37.3 Candidiasis of the vulva and vagina (N77.1*)
- B97.7 Papillomaviruses
- L29.2 Itching of the vulva
- L29.3 Anogenital itching, unspecified
- N76 Other inflammatory diseases of the vagina and vulva
Pharmacodynamics
The active ingredient of Epigen Intim is activated glycyrrhizic acid, obtained by extraction from plant materials (licorice root).
Activated glycyrrhizic acid has a complex effect, including immunostimulating, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and regenerating.
Activated glycyrrhizic acid induces the production of its own interferons.
The immunostimulating effect is manifested by an increase in the number and activity of T-lymphocytes, a decrease in the concentration of IgG and an increase in the concentration of IgA and IgM.
Activated glycyrrhizic acid has an antiviral effect on various types of DNA and RNA viruses in vitro and in vivo (Varicella zoster; herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2; CMV, various types of human papillomavirus, including oncogenic ones). Activated glycyrrhizic acid interrupts the replication of viruses in the early stages, causes the virion to exit the capsid, thereby preventing its penetration into cells. Activated glycyrrhizic acid inactivates these viruses in concentrations that are non-toxic for normally functioning cells. Mutant strains of viruses resistant to acyclovir and iodouridine are also highly sensitive to glycyrrhizic acid, like non-mutant strains.
The anti-inflammatory activity of activated glycyrrhizic acid is combined with a stimulating effect on humoral and cellular immunity factors. Activated glycyrrhizic acid significantly inhibits the release of kinins and the synthesis of PG by connective tissue cells in the area of inflammation. The regenerating effect is due to improved repair of the skin and mucous membranes.
Epigen analogues, price in pharmacies
If necessary, you can replace Epigen spray with an analogue of the active substance - these are the following drugs:
- glycyram,
- Glycyrrhizic acid,
- Epigen labial.
When choosing analogues, it is important to understand that the instructions for use of Epigen, the price and reviews of drugs with similar effects do not apply. It is important to consult a doctor and not change the drug yourself.
Price in Russian pharmacies: Epigen intimate spray 0.1% 15 ml - from 972 to 1184 rubles, intimate spray 0.1% 60 ml - from 1760 rubles, intimate gel 250 ml - from 810 to 983 rubles, according to 683 pharmacies.
The spray has a shelf life of 36 months under standard storage conditions and temperatures up to 30°C. Sale in pharmacies without a prescription.
Indications for Epigen Intim
treatment of a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus, incl. asymptomatic isolation of human papillomavirus of high oncogenic risk, as part of combination and complex therapy;
treatment of a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 as part of complex therapy;
treatment of a viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster virus (shingles) as part of complex therapy;
treatment of viral infection caused by cytomegalovirus as part of complex therapy;
prevention of relapses of viral infections caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Varicella Zoster virus, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus;
prevention and treatment of genital warts and cervical pathology caused by human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus;
prevention and treatment of conditions accompanied by a decrease in local immunity, incl. nonspecific vulvovaginitis, candidal vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis, as part of complex therapy;
phenomena of discomfort in the genital area, accompanied by itching, burning and dryness, incl. after sexual intercourse;
phenomena of discomfort in the genital area, accompanied by itching, burning and dryness of the mucous membranes, with insufficient ovarian function.
Epigen spray - description and analogues
"Epigen spray" refers to antiviral drugs. Use – local, external. The main component of the drug is glycyrrhizic acid, which acts against RNA and DNA containing viruses, including various types of virus and cytomegaloviruses.
At the same time, during the anti-inflammatory effect, interferon is formed, which leads to the interruption of further reproduction and replication of viruses, especially in the early stages. The virion exits the capsid, as a result of which it no longer penetrates the cells. The drug also inhibits viruses in the maximum required quantities. The drug is not toxic and does not interfere with the normal functioning of cells.
In addition, it has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regeneration-improving effects. This effectiveness of the drug is observed both in the early stages of diseases and in chronic or ulcerative manifestations.
The simultaneous use of Epigen spray leads to potentiation of the antiviral effect.
During pregnancy and lactation, treatment with drugs containing glycyrrhizic acid is prescribed only for medical reasons and is carried out under medical supervision. The potential risk of the drug has not been fully established.
Indications for use
- A prophylactic against infectious diseases that can be sexually transmitted;
- Nonspecific vaginitis;
- In the treatment of infectious diseases caused by groups of Herpes simplex viruses of the second type;
- Colpitis;
- Infectious skin diseases, in particular those caused by the Varicella zoster virus;
- Diseases caused by the human papillomavirus.
Possible side effects
If you are intolerant or sensitive to glycyrrhizic acid, allergic reactions are possible.
Contraindications
In case of intolerance to the main components of the drug or their derivatives.
The drug is often prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases as part of complex therapeutic treatment.
When used, it is recommended to take interferon synthesis inducers simultaneously with the drug.
Directions for use and doses
Externally, intravaginally, intraurethrally.
Shake the container before use. When using, keep the container in an upright position. For external use, the drug is applied to the entire affected surface of the skin from a distance of 4–5 cm with 1–2 valve presses, which is the optimal therapeutic dose.
For intravaginal use of the drug, a special nozzle with a sprayer is included. Remove the valve from the spray bottle and put on the nozzle valve. Then insert the nozzle into the vagina and inject using 1-2 presses of the nozzle, which is the optimal therapeutic dose.
When used by men, in addition to external application, the drug is injected into the external opening of the urethra with 1-2 presses of the spray valve.
For herpesvirus infection type 1, herpes zoster, the drug is recommended to be used 6 times a day, on the affected area, for 5 days. If the infectious process persists, the treatment period is extended until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.
For herpesvirus infection type 2 (genital herpes), CMV infection is recommended to be used 5 times a day for 14 days externally and intravaginally, after stopping the relapse - externally and intravaginally 3 times a day for 10 days.
In order to prevent relapses of genital herpes and CMV infection, the drug is recommended to be used externally and intravaginally from the 18th to 20th day of the menstrual cycle until the end of menstruation, 2 times a day, morning and evening.
For human papillomavirus infection, the drug is recommended to be used:
- before removal of condylomas - 3 times a day during the entire period of etiotropic therapy;
- against the background of destruction - 5 times a day for 10 days or more until complete healing;
- for the prevention of immediate relapses 3 times a day for 1 month.
To prevent the progression of human papillomavirus infection, it is recommended to use it before and after sexual intercourse, as well as in the event of provoking factors (stress, fatigue, respiratory viral infections, microflora disturbances, taking antibiotics, cytostatics) - 3 times a day intravaginally and externally during the entire period of exposure to provoking agents. factors.
For bacterial vaginosis, nonspecific vulvovaginitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, the drug is recommended to be used intravaginally 3-4 times a day for 7-10 days. If necessary, repeat the course of treatment after 10 days. If provoking factors occur (respiratory viral infections, taking antibiotics, cytostatics) - 3 times a day intravaginally and externally during the entire period of exposure to provoking factors.
For symptoms of discomfort in the genital area, accompanied by itching, burning and dryness of the mucous membranes - 2 times a day (morning and evening) for 2-3 weeks. To prevent discomfort, use regularly after sexual intercourse.
As a prophylactic antiviral agent, the drug is recommended to be used before and after sexual intercourse.
Analogues of "Epigen spray"
"Epigen intimate"
Completely similar to Epigen spray, the main active ingredient is glycyrrhizic acid, has similar medicinal effects, has the same side effects and contraindications.
"Glycyram"
Contains similar active ingredients - licorice root extract (glycyrrhizic acid) and ammonium glycyrrhizinate.
It is an anti-inflammatory agent for viral diseases of the genital organs, skin, and mucous membranes.
Release form: tablets. It also has laxative properties that relieve spasms, while simultaneously activating the adrenal cortex. In addition to the above diseases, it is prescribed for the treatment of respiratory diseases with increased secretion, eczema, and allergic dermatitis. It is also a preventative against the occurrence of withdrawal syndrome during hormonal therapy.
Contraindications
In case of individual intolerance or manifestations of allergic reactions to glycyrrhizic acid. In such cases, treatment with the drug is canceled.
Prescribed with caution during pregnancy and lactation period.
The course of treatment with the drug depends on the severity of the disease, and can last from two to three weeks to six months.
"Epigen labial"
- A medicine that also contains an active substance - glycyrrhizic acid (licorice extract).
- It has antiviral, regenerating, analgesic properties. Additionally, it contains an epigene component, which has a suppressive effect on viruses.
- Release form: capsules. Also prescribed in the treatment of psoriasis, neurodermatitis, eczema.
- Contraindicated in case of intolerance to glycyrrhizic acid.
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Reviews
Tatyana, 32 years old: “Dear women! I hasten to share with you my feminine joy. I had chronic thrush, which I suffered from for more than three years. I constantly changed gynecologists, tried a lot of medications and folk remedies. I won’t say that nothing helped, but for a short time. After some period of time, the thrush stubbornly returned. I already thought that I would have to constantly exist with her like this. But, a miracle happened! I was prescribed the drug Epigen Intim. I bought it with doubt, read it, was surprised, it turns out that it treats a large number of viral diseases. In addition, it has a very convenient special attachment for use. I was pleased with the composition of the drug, everything is natural, nothing superfluous, it can even be used for preventive purposes. Moreover, it does not have an unpleasant, specific smell. I started using it and after two days I noticed clear improvements. I completed a course of treatment and forgot about thrush. 10 months have passed since then and everything is great! So, I recommend it!”
Before replacing Epigen Spray with similar drugs, it is important to get additional advice from a pharmacist or your doctor!
special instructions
The nozzle is washed with boiled water and soap and stored in the supplied PE packaging.
The design of the nozzle allows you to maintain the effect of uniform irrigation of the cervix and vaginal walls.
For use in a hospital setting, intravaginal irrigation with the drug in speculums can be performed without a nozzle.
To be effective, no prior rinsing of the application area is required.
If signs of intolerance appear, stop using the drug.
How to find a cheap analogue of an expensive medicine?
To find an inexpensive analogue of a medicine, a generic or a synonym, first of all we recommend paying attention to the composition, namely the same active ingredients and indications for use. The same active ingredients of a drug will indicate that the drug is a synonym for the drug, pharmaceutically equivalent or a pharmaceutical alternative. However, we should not forget about the inactive components of similar drugs, which may affect safety and effectiveness. Do not forget about the instructions of doctors; self-medication can harm your health, so always consult a doctor before using any medication.
