A drug can have several forms and dosages, for example, VIFERON, which will be discussed further, is produced in three dosage forms: rectal suppositories (150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU), gel , as well as ointment. Let's try to figure out which of them you will need. This drug is widely used in pediatrics, neonatology, gynecology, urology, dermatology and many other areas of medicine. As a rule, VIFERON is prescribed to 150,000 children for a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. The safety of this product is evidenced by the fact that it can be used by children from the first day of life and by pregnant women from the second trimester. The mechanism of action and scope of application of the drug are described in many scientific works under the guidance of the country's leading scientists.
- What is the correct name of the drug and its difference from counterfeits
- For what type of patients is the drug usually prescribed?
- Clinical researches
- Application area
- Instructions for pregnant women
- Instructions for children
- Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza
- Estimated cost
VIFERON candles: 150, 1500, 15000, 1500000. Which name is correct and how is it different from fakes?
I would like to immediately point out that the drug VIFERON has no analogues, it is unique, and dosages of 150, 1500, 15,000 and 1,500,000 are not represented in the line. Other drugs may also have interferon alpha-2b as their main active substance, but they are distinguished by the inclusion of other excipients, dosages, dosage forms, methods of administration and production, side effects, age restrictions and indications for use.
As a rule, when searching for “Viferon 150 instructions”, “Viferon 150 candles for children”, etc. people mean the original drug - VIFERON suppositories 150,000 IU, which will most likely be prescribed to children under seven years of age and expectant mothers as maintenance therapy. Reliable information about the drug can be obtained from official sources, in particular, on the website, and in the manufacturer’s instructions. So how do you understand in which cases the prescription of a drug is justified, and whether the dosage is sufficient to solve a specific problem? - The easiest way is to refer to the instructions.
Pharmacology is an exact science, so it makes sense to remember/write down the correct names and dosages.
How to distinguish between counterfeit and original candles VIFERON 150000 IU video
What is VIFERON 150,000 and in what cases is it prescribed?
This is an original broad-spectrum antiviral immunomodulatory drug that is used in children of all ages and pregnant women from the fourteenth week of gestation. The uniqueness is due to the formula that combines interferon alpha-2b and highly active antioxidants (ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol acetate), which enhance the antiviral effect of interferon, and also provide a longer period of maintaining a sufficiently high level of interferon in the blood [1]. VIFERON was created during large-scale studies of the functioning of the immune system of adults and children.
The suppository, weighing up to a gram, has a special streamlined cylindrical shape without thickening, does not cause discomfort, and is painlessly administered even to small children. The main active ingredient, interferon alpha-2b, is contained in each suppository in the amount of 150,000 IU. The formula of the drug also includes excipients: ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol acetate, disodium edetate dihydrate, polysorbate. Cocoa butter is the basic component of the suppository. Some parents are afraid of allergies in their baby because of the claimed cocoa butter, however, unlike cocoa powder, it does not contain plant allergens, which minimizes the risk of developing allergies [2]. Suppositories 150,000 IU are used in the treatment of preschool and school-age children, infants and newborns, as well as pregnant women, starting from the second trimester, who have indications for antiviral therapy, depending on the diagnosed disease. For the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in patients over seven years of age, as well as adults, higher dosages are available.
Compound
Ointment for local and external use | 1 g |
active substance: | |
interferon human recombinant alpha-2 | 40000 IU |
excipients: tocopherol acetate - 0.02 g; anhydrous lanolin - 0.34 g; medical petroleum jelly - 0.45 g; peach oil - 0.12 g; purified water - up to 1 g |
Gel for local and external use | 1 g |
active substance: | |
interferon human recombinant alpha-2b | 36000 IU |
excipients: alpha-tocopherol acetate - 0.055 g; methionine - 0.0012 g; benzoic acid - 0.00128 mg; citric acid monohydrate - 0.001 g; sodium tetraborate decahydrate - 0.0018 mg; sodium chloride - 0.004 g; human serum albumin solution 10% - 0.02 g; distilled glycerin (glycerol) - 0.02 g; carmellose sodium - 0.02 g; ethanol 95% - 0.055 g; purified water - up to 1 g |
Suppositories for rectal use | 1 sup. |
active substance: | |
interferon human recombinant alpha-2b | 150000 IU |
500000 IU | |
1000000 IU | |
3000000 IU | |
excipients: alpha-tocopherol acetate - 0.055/0.055/0.055/0.055 g; ascorbic acid - 0.0054/0.0081/0.0081/0.0081 g; sodium ascorbate - 0.0108/0.0162/0.0162/0.0162 g; disodium edetate dihydrate - 0.0001/0.0001/0.0001/0.0001 g; polysorbate 80 - 0.0001/0.0001/0.0001/0.0001 g | |
base: cocoa butter and confectionery fat - up to 1 g |
Clinical studies of the drug VIFERON suppositories dosage 150,000 IU
The drug has undergone a full cycle of clinical trials for a variety of nosologies (including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies), as well as a number of additional studies at leading clinics and research institutes in Russia. VIFERON occupies a leading position among drugs prescribed by pediatricians; for example, in 2022, the drug was recognized as the most prescribed drug for the treatment of ARVI in children from the first days of lifei and was awarded the prestigious Russian Pharma Awards. It is also one of the five most prescribed drugs by gynecologists*. A fact confirming the importance of this drug is that VIFERON in 2011 was included in the List of vital and essential drugs approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.
It has been established that when using this drug there are no adverse events noted when administering interferon alfa-2b drugs by injection, no antibodies are produced that reduce the antiviral activity of interferon alfa-2b. There is reliable information that the inclusion of the drug in a complex of therapeutic measures makes it possible to reduce the doses of antibacterial and hormonal drugs, as well as reduce the toxic load during treatmentii. The fatty acids contained in cocoa butter eliminate synthetic substances necessary for emulsification; the low melting point ensures easy administration and rapid dissolution of the drug inside the body. The drug retains its properties and shape when refrigerated at a temperature of two to eight degrees.
Scope of application of children's VIFERON 150000
- VIFERON is prescribed as part of the complex treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases in children, incl. newborns and premature infants, with the following diseases:
- ARVI, including influenza
- Bacterial complications of ARVI and influenza, including pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial)
- Herpes
- Cytomegalovirus infection
- Enterovirus infection
- Meningitis of various etymologies
- Sepsis
- Hepatitis
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, including mycoplasmosis, chlamydia and candidiasis
Components such as ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) help enhance the specific immunomodulatory effect of the drug. In combination with these vitamins, the antiviral activity of interferon alpha-2b increases. When using the drug, the body's own immune response is enhanced, the level of proteins involved in the body's immune defense system against pathogens increases, and the function of producing its own interferon alpha-2b is restored.
Water-soluble antioxidant molecules, such as vitamin C, are powerful “scavengers” of free radicals from the intercellular fluid, and fat-soluble ones (vitamin E) protect lipid cell membranes from oxidation, thereby preventing them from being damaged by viruses.iii.
Immune system in children
When studying the immune system in children, a number of age-related characteristics were identified. Thus, in children of the first year of life, the ability to produce their own interferons by blood cells is reduced by 9 times, and in children from one to three years of age - by 6 times compared to adult patients.iv Let us recall that the human immune system is inextricably linked with the interferon system. The immunomodulatory effect of interferons is currently well studied. Thus, interferon-α helps to increase the number of macrophage cell receptors, which helps them quickly recognize and neutralize the target (cell infected with a virus, bacteria and other foreign elements). Interferons-α affect the activity of natural killer cells. An important property of interferons is the ability to interfere with the intracellular replication of viruses and activate the cellular response in response to viral infection. Interferon triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that suppress the synthesis of viral proteins, and also prevents the assembly and release of viral particles from the infected cell.
Features of prescribing the drug
VIFERON Suppositories are one of the few drugs that can be used to treat children from the first days of life.
VIFERON Suppositories according to the instructions for children in a dosage of 150,000 can be prescribed to newborns, that is, in the first 4 weeks after birth, to infants, from the second month to 1 year, and to older children. For the treatment of ARVI and influenza in children under 7 years of age, a dosage of 150,000 IU is used, 2 times a day, for a course of 5 days. If we are talking about a premature baby with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks, then the frequency of administration is increased to 3, while the dosage and duration of therapy remain the same.
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.
VIFERON 150000 suppositories instructions for use in pregnant women
From the second trimester, pregnant women in need of antiviral therapy can use this drug in the form of suppositories. Thus, at the first stage of treatment of urogenital infections (herpes, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, papillomavirus infection, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis), the use of the drug VIFERON 500,000 IU is recommended. The course of treatment is 10 days. Frequency of application – 2 times a day. After the main stage, they move on to the second, the so-called “maintenance” therapy. For this, women with the above diseases who are carrying a child are prescribed the drug at a dosage of 150,000 IU every 4 weeks (the duration of each course is 5 days) to prevent relapses until childbirth. VIFERON Ointment and Gel is approved for pregnant women at any stage and during lactation. During breastfeeding, the drug is not used in the area of the nipples and areolas. There is no need to worry that the drug will penetrate into the blood and lymph, since it has a local effect when applied externally.
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.
Candles VIFERON 150000 instructions for children
Suppositories 150,000 IU are used in the treatment of infectious diseases of various etiologies in children, including newborns and premature infants. It is approved for use from the first days of a child’s life.
Nosology | Reception scheme | Recommended number of courses |
ARVI and influenza in children under 7 years of age | VIFERON 150,000 IU 2 times a day 5 days | According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued |
Herpes | VIFERON 150,000 IU 2 times a day 5 days | 2 courses with a break of 5 days |
Infections in newborns and infants: – chlamydia, – cytomegalovirus, – enterovirus, – candidiasis (thrush), – mycoplasmosis | VIFERON 150,000 IU 2 times a day 5 days |
|
According to the instructions, 150,000 candles are placed twice a day with a 12-hour break. Studies have shown that it is after this period of time that the amount of interferons in the blood serum begins to decrease. Suppositories have an ergonomic shape, which ensures easy administration without pain. For allergy sufferers, it is important that the composition does not contain dyes, harsh chemicals or sweeteners. Easy administration and low frequency of administration are convenient for young patients and their parents.
How to light a candle for a child
Children do not always freely allow themselves to be treated: they spit out bitter pills, resist manipulation with syringes and other invasive procedures, regurgitate syrup that they do not like, and complain of abdominal pain from taking medications internally. How can candles help? - firstly, they do not have to be swallowed, overcoming the unpleasant taste, and secondly, they quickly dissolve and are absorbed into the blood through a dense network of blood vessels in the rectum and immediately begin to act without overloading the digestive system of the sick child (liver and stomach). Wash your hands. – Talk to your child: it is important that the child is not afraid of the procedure, but perceives it as a game. If the child is very small, it is more convenient to carry out the procedure while he is sleeping. You should try to come to an agreement with older children: show the candle in the package, come up with a story about how to overcome viruses that have entered the body. Imagine together: was it a good fairy who sent a “capsule” of health or a magic fish, or maybe a submarine with brave soldiers on board who are eager to fight evil microbes? – The most comfortable position, the “classic” one, is lying on the left side, with the left leg straightened and the right leg bent and pulled towards the stomach, or as is more comfortable for the child. Having laid the candle, you need to lightly squeeze your buttocks and hold for 2-3 minutes, explaining to the child that this is the only way the “landing force” will reach the goal. During this time the candle will dissolve.
Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza
For children over 0 years old, pediatricians can prescribe VIFERON Suppositories as part of complex therapy for ARVI, influenza, including in the event of complications caused by a bacterial infection or pneumonia. The fact that this medicine can be used from birth is very important, given the special requirements for medicines approved for use in such a vulnerable category of patients.
VIFERON Candles 150000: instructions for use for children. For children under 7 years of age, including newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, it is recommended to use the drug VIFERON 150,000 IU, one suppository twice a day after 12 hours every day for five days.
For newborn premature infants with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks, daily use of the drug is recommended at a dosage of 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 3 times a day every 8 hours for five days.
VIFERON Suppositories in a complex of therapeutic measures for ARVI reduces the likelihood of a severe course of the disease and helps prevent complications, as well as significantly speed up recovery. [3]
The article “Acute respiratory infections in children: optimization of treatment tactics” [4] describes the results of a study on the use of this drug in the treatment of ARVI. In the control group, consisting of children of different ages who received the drug, positive dynamics were observed: body temperature tended to normal, symptoms of intoxication decreased, the intensity of catarrhal symptoms (cough, runny nose) and respiratory syndrome (difficulty breathing) decreased on average two days earlier than in the control group. It is known that during illness the level of immunoglobulins A is low, however, while taking the drug VIFERON Suppositories, the level of type A immunoglobulins was restored in most subjects. For children undergoing treatment in a hospital, nosocomial infection becomes a frequent problem and threat to delay treatment and complications of the underlying disease. It is important that among children who received this drug, infection occurred half as often.
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.