Interferon alpha drops instructions for use. Human leukocyte interferon. Description of the dosage form

Types of medication, commercial names of analogues, release forms

Different types of interferon can be found on sale under other names - Interferal, Interal, Viferon, Altevir, Inferon, Rebif, Extavia, etc.

Interferon manufacturing companies

The mechanism of therapeutic action of the drug

Interferon can have the following types of effects on the body:

• antiviral effect;
• antitumor effect.

Antitumor effect carried out due to the action of the p53 protein. This protein becomes active due to DNA damage and can be produced by any cells in the body. Subsequently, the p53 protein stops the cell cycle of development of the damaged cell, and if there are significant and irreversible defects in the genetic material, it causes its apoptosis. It is worth noting that in case of malignant neoplasms ( cancerous tumors) in approximately half of cases there is a dysfunction of the p53 protein.

Regardless of the release form ( intramuscular or subcutaneous injections) the body absolutely completely absorbs this medicine ( bioavailability 100%). Already 4–12 hours after application, the maximum concentration of interferon is observed in the blood.

For what pathologies is it prescribed?

Interferon use

How to use the medicine?

Interferon is used in the treatment of the following pathologies:

• viral hepatitis;
• tumor diseases;
• diseases of the central nervous system.

Viral hepatitis

For the treatment of hepatitis B, a weekly dosage of 30–35 million international units of interferon is prescribed. It is worth noting that there are two treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis B. The first regimen involves daily administration of the drug in 5 million units, and in the second regimen, interferon is administered in 10 million IU doses three times a week ( in one day). The duration of therapy is 4 – 6 months.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C can be carried out together with another antiviral drug - ribavirin or use interferon as monotherapy ( single medication treatment). The weekly dosage is 9 – 10 million IU. Interferon is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly at a dose of 3 million three times a week. The course of treatment is selected by the attending physician.

It is worth noting that hepatitis D can only occur together with hepatitis B. Treatment for hepatitis D involves the use of 15 million units of the drug per week. 5 million units are administered subcutaneously ( three times a week). Treatment lasts from 3 to 4 months.

Tumor diseases

Interferon is used in the treatment of the following tumor diseases:

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma must be carried out in combination with chemotherapy. As a rule, interferon is administered subcutaneously at 5 million IU. The drug should be used 3 times a week ( in one day).
• Hairy cell leukemia. Interferon is used in single doses of 3 million units every other day ( three times a week). The medication can be administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The course of treatment is selected by the attending physician.
• Malignant melanoma. The weekly dosage of interferon is 80 – 100 million units. The drug must be used 4–5 times a week. The duration of treatment is 30 days, after which they switch to maintenance therapy - 10 million units 3 times a week. The average course of treatment using maintenance therapy is 11–12 months.
• Carcinoid tumors. Interferon is administered subcutaneously at 3–9 million units 3 times a week. If there is no effect, they switch to another treatment regimen - 5 million units of interferon daily ( 35 million IU per week).
• Carcinoid tumors with metastasis. Treatment is carried out daily in the form of subcutaneous injections of 3–4 million units of interferon. Gradually, every two weeks, the single dose is increased to 5, 7, 10 million units. The course of treatment is selected by the doctor.
• Multiple myeloma. Subcutaneously, 5 million units of interferon three times a week. The duration of treatment can only be determined by the attending physician.
• Renal cell carcinoma. Interferon is taken three times a week, 3–10 million units. The course of treatment is individual.

Diseases of the central nervous system

For the treatment and prevention of various acute respiratory viral diseases, interferon is used in the form of a spray or nasal drops. To treat ARVI, a few drops of interferon should be instilled into each nasal passage ( 2 – 3 drops) from 3 to 5 times a day. To prevent ARVI, interferon is recommended to be taken throughout the winter period. To do this, each nasal passage is lubricated with an ointment that contains interferon 2 to 3 times a day. After the first week of treatment, it is necessary to take a seven-day break, and then resume taking interferon again.

Possible side effects

Interferon can lead to the following adverse reactions:

• disorders of the digestive tract;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• allergic manifestations;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• disorders of the hematopoietic system;
• disorders of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Digestive tract disorders

The following side effects may occur from the digestive system:
The toxic effect of interferon on liver tissue is also often observed. This is manifested by an increase in some indicators of biochemical blood tests. As a rule, there is an increase in the level of liver transaminases ( enzymes involved in the transformation of certain amino acids).

Nervous system disorders

The following side effects may occur from the nervous system:

• anxiety;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• suicidal thoughts ( rarely);
• hallucinations ( very rarely).

Interferon can also affect vision. Irritation of the optic nerve leads to deterioration of vision. Sometimes taking interferon may be accompanied by inflammation of the ocular mucosa ( conjunctivitis). Conjunctivitis is characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the eyelids and mucous membrane of the eye, itching of the eyes, lacrimation, photophobia ( photophobia), as well as redness of the whites of the eyes.

Allergic manifestations

Taking interferon can lead to the following allergic manifestations:

• erythema;
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
• toxic epidermal necrolysis ( Lyell's syndrome).

Erythema is a pronounced redness of the skin. Erythema occurs due to increased permeability of small skin vessels, as a result of which blood flows in large quantities to the surface of the skin.

Quincke's edema is also a fairly common form of drug allergy, which affects the fatty tissue of the skin ( subcutaneous fat). Most often swelling can occur on the face ( lips, eyelids, cheeks, and oral cavity). Sometimes the limbs and genitals may swell. As a rule, 3 to 4 hours after the onset of swelling disappears without a trace. A rare complication of Quincke's edema is obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. This happens due to the fact that the swelling spreads from the oral cavity to the mucous membrane of the larynx, resulting in suffocation. This condition is extremely dangerous and can lead to coma.

Stevens–Johnson syndrome is an extremely severe form of erythema. This syndrome is characterized by the appearance of large blisters on the mucous membranes ( eyes, pharynx, oral cavity) and on the skin. At the first stage of the disease, as a rule, severe pain occurs in large joints. Body temperature, in turn, rises up to 39ºС. After a couple of hours, the general condition worsens sharply, and blisters appear on the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheeks, as well as on the lips, larynx and skin. After opening, very painful and bleeding areas with erosions form in their place.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a very life-threatening condition. Within 2 to 4 hours after the drug is administered to the body, the general condition of the body deteriorates sharply. Body temperature rises to 39 – 40ºС. A rash appears on the skin in the form of small dots, which resembles the rash of scarlet fever. Subsequently, instead of these rashes, rather large bubbles with transparent contents form, which quickly open. In place of the blisters, erosive areas of the skin open, which can merge and form large erosions. It is worth noting that toxic epidermal necrolysis can affect internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, heart and intestines. If medical assistance is not provided in a timely manner, people with this pathology very often die.

Disorders of the cardiovascular system

Disorders of the hematopoietic system

Taking interferon can lead to the following disorders of the hematopoietic system:

• leukopenia.

Thrombocytopenia manifested by a decrease in the total number of blood platelets ( platelets). Platelets are needed for the normal blood clotting process ( coagulation). Most often, thrombocytopenia is manifested by bleeding gums. In some cases, thrombocytopenia can lead to serious bleeding in various internal organs ( bleeding in the brain is especially dangerous).

Leukopenia represents a decrease in the number of white blood cells ( leukocytes). These cells are capable of protecting the human body from various pathogens. With leukopenia, a person becomes extremely vulnerable to bacterial infections. This pathological condition often leads to an increase in the size of the spleen and tonsils ( hypertrophy).

Upper and lower respiratory tract disorders

Interferon can also lead to the following respiratory diseases (rare):
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis can occur due to a runny nose or ARVI ( flu). This pathology is characterized by symptoms such as heaviness in the paranasal sinus, fever, nasal discharge ( thick), painful sensations in the sinus when turning the head sharply. Most often the maxillary sinuses are involved in the inflammatory process ( maxillary) and frontal sinuses.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, which most often affects the alveoli ( structural and functional elements of the lung in which the process of gas exchange occurs). Depending on the volume of damage to the lung tissue, focal ( inflammation of several alveoli), segmental ( inflammatory process within one segment of the lung), fractional ( damage to one lobe of the lung) and lobar pneumonia ( involvement of both lungs in the process). Pneumonia is characterized by symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath ( appears when inflammatory fluid accumulates in the alveoli), chest pain, respiratory failure. With lobar pneumonia, severe intoxication is also observed, which is manifested by headache, dizziness, general malaise and confusion. Most often, uncomplicated pneumonia lasts about a month.

Approximate cost of the medicine

Interferon is a drug that has a direct effect on the body's immune system. It has a pronounced antiviral, antiproliferative, and antitumor effect.

Release form and composition

The active ingredient of the drug Interferon is a specific protein synthesized by human leukocytes.

The medicine is available in the following forms:

• Lyophilized powder;
• Solution for topical use;
• Injection;
• Rectal suppositories.

Indications for use

According to the instructions attached to Interferon, indications for its use depend on the form of release of the drug.

Injection:

• Hepatitis B and C;
• Condylomas acuminata;
• Leukemia, hairy cell leukemia – tricholeukemia;
• Tick-borne encephalitis;
• Condition after surgical treatment of respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx;
• Multiple myeloma;
• T-cell lymphoma – mycosis fungoides;
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas;
• Chronic myeloid leukemia;
• Reticulosarcoma;
• Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
• Malignant melanoma;
• Thrombocytosis – primary (essential) and secondary;
• Chronic granulocytic leukemia and myelofibrosis are transitional forms.

Interferon in the form of suppositories:

• Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome;
• Viral hepatitis;
• Immunodeficiency conditions of a secondary nature.

Lyophilized powder and solution for topical use:

• Prevention and treatment of influenza, ARVI;
• Eye diseases of viral etiology.

Contraindications

The use of Interferon is contraindicated in the following diseases and conditions:

• Hypersensitivity;
• Chronic cardiac failure;
• Acute myocardial infarction – acute period;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Diabetes mellitus – severe forms;
• Lung diseases;
• Liver or kidney failure;
• Chicken pox;
• Cirrhosis of the liver;
• Thyroid diseases;
• Severe mental disorders, epilepsy;
• Lactation period.

The use of Interferon requires caution in case of post-infarction cardiosclerosis, arrhythmias, herpes simplex, disorders of bone marrow hematopoiesis, and also during pregnancy.

Directions for use and dosage

According to the instructions, Interferon in injection solution should be used parenterally - subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. The dosage depends on the nature of the disease and the age of the patient.

Interferon in the form of powder and solution for topical use is used intranasally and conjunctivally. The drug is administered by inhalation using an inhaler of any system or instillation of an aqueous solution - the powder is diluted in 2 ml of distilled or cooled boiled water before use.

To prevent influenza and ARVI, the medicine is instilled 5 drops into each nasal passage twice a day with an interval of 6 hours.

For the purpose of treatment, the drug Interferon should be used at an early stage of the disease when the first symptoms of malaise appear, 5 drops every 1-2 hours at least 5 times a day for 2-3 days.

In ophthalmological practice, in the acute period of the disease, the medicine is administered 2-3 drops into each eye from 3 to 10 times a day. When the condition improves - up to 5-6 times during the day. The course of treatment is no more than 14 days.

Interferon in the form of suppositories is used rectally for hemorrhagic fever, acute hepatitis B in children, and secondary immunodeficiency states. The dosage is determined individually, the duration of treatment is no more than 14 days.

Side effects

The use of Interferon, especially when administered parenterally, may cause the following side effects:

• Influenza-like syndrome – headache, myalgia, fever, chills;
• Decreased appetite, abnormal bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, dry oral mucosa, heartburn, liver failure;
• Anemia, decreased number of leukocytes and platelets in the blood;
• Fluctuations in pressure, chest pain, arrhythmias;
• Dizziness, decreased cognitive function and concentration, sleep disturbance, somnolepsy, numbness of the limbs or face, confusion, paresthesia, cramps of the calf muscles;
• blurred vision, ischemic retinopathy;
• Dry skin, rash, itching, hair loss, hyperhidrosis;
• Thyroid gland dysfunction.

special instructions

During treatment with the antiviral drug Interferon, it is necessary to monitor blood test values ​​and liver function. In case of severe thrombocytopenia, the medicine should be administered subcutaneously.

In case of side effects from the central nervous system in patients receiving high doses of the drug, additional examination is required, and if necessary, discontinuation of the drug.

To reduce the severity of influenza-like syndrome, parallel administration of paracetamol is indicated.

At the initial stage of treatment with Interferon, hydration therapy is necessary.

In patients with hepatitis C, an antiviral drug can cause dysfunction of the thyroid gland, so its use should only be started when hormone levels are normal.

During the period of use of the drug Interferon, care must be taken when driving vehicles and other moving mechanisms.

Analogues

Synonyms of Interferon include the drugs Alfaferon, Diaferon, Interlock, Inferon, Leukinferon, Lokferon.

Medicines such as:

• Avonex;
• Altevir;
• Betaferon;
• Viferon;
• Genfaxon;
• Genferon;
• Ingaron;
• Laifferon;
• Reaferon;
• Extavia;
• Rebif;
• Ronbetal and others.

Terms and conditions of storage

According to the instructions supplied with Interferon, the drug should be stored in a dry place at a temperature of 2-8 °C.

Shelf life – 1 year.

Every family medicine cabinet, especially if there are small children, should have interferon and detailed instructions for its use. This medicine is an emergency aid in the event of diseases or for their prevention. In addition to the fact that it can shorten the time of illness, it also prevents it if there is contact with a sick person.

Interferon stimulates the protective functions of the body of children during infectious diseases. If all the recommendations included in the instructions for this drug are taken into account, then it is approved and safe even for infants.

The medicine has an effective effect during the onset of the disease, its complications and for prevention. It does not fight viruses directly, but warns the body's cells about the danger and activates them to fight it.

The following functions of interferon are distinguished:

1. Anti-inflammatory. Can cope with hidden inflammatory processes in the body that lead to various symptoms.
2. Antiviral. A universal means of combating viruses such as adenoviruses, herpes and influenza.
3. Immunomodulatory. Normalizes natural human immunity.
4. Immunostimulating. Helps increase antibodies that fight infections.
5. Antitumor.
6. Bacteriostatic. Helps kill mixed infections.

While taking the drug for colds in children, you may experience an even greater increase in temperature and the appearance of chills. This is a normal reaction, as the body has begun to intensify its fight against pathogenic microbes.

The inhalation solution and ointment should be stored in a cool, dry place. Candles and liquid solution are stored for 2 years, dry solution – 1 year.

Any dosage form (ointment, inhalation solution, suppositories) is used as prescribed by a doctor.

Areas of use

The drug is effective against many viruses and bacteria, which is why its area of ​​application is huge (ophthalmology, gastroenterology, gynecology, pediatrics).

Only a doctor will select the most appropriate dosage and form of release of the medicine.

Characteristics of the main forms of the drug

The health of children in the modern world is under threat - poor environmental conditions, hereditary factors, and poor nutrition. Children are more likely to suffer from colds and viral diseases. The human body itself produces interferon (a protein that protects the body from infections). But during epidemics or acute illnesses, they become insufficient, so various interferon-based dosage forms come to the rescue.

Children's interferon has the following forms of release: ointment, drops, suppositories, the medicine is released in ampoules, and a solution for inhalation is also used.

Each dosage form is accompanied by instructions that detail in what dosage and how long to take the drug. It is approved for use even for newborns.

Nasal drops

The medicine in ampoules is intended for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases. It is necessary to bury it in the nose.

Before instillation into the nose, the solution should be diluted with water to the mark that is on all ampoules (equal to 2 ml). If the drops have been diluted correctly, the color of the resulting liquid will be clear or have a slight tint of yellow.

Drops for children for preventive purposes are used in the nose twice a day, every 6 hours, 5 drops. The duration of the course depends on the general situation in the area where the child lives. To treat the disease in the acute period, it is suggested to instill 5 drops every two hours, for no more than three days.

Do not take the medicine with other drops or if you have allergies. Drops are used exclusively in the nose.

Once in the stomach and interacting with gastric juice, the drug stops working due to decay. The drops begin to act immediately, but visible results in children will be noticeable after two days of use.

Infants should apply 2-3 drops of the medicine on a cotton swab and place it in the nasal passage for several minutes. First, the nose should be cleaned and rinsed with salt water.

Inhalations

The effectiveness of inhalations with interferon is much higher than all other forms. For one inhalation you will need three ampoules, the contents of which are dissolved in water (10 ml).

Inhalations are possible through the nose or mouth twice a day. It is better to use modern nebulizers.

If the nose is swollen and there is a runny nose, a vasoconstrictor should be instilled. After such a procedure, the benefits of inhalation will be greater.

Candles

Interferon in suppositories can be given even to infants. Administer rectally, one suppository twice a day (morning and evening), for 5 days.

The suppositories do not cause allergies or side effects from the digestive organs; they are immediately absorbed into the blood, so their effect is noticeable quickly.

Various dosages are available for different ages of children. In rare cases, local irritation may occur. If after five days there is no improvement in the condition, then after a few days the course can be repeated.

Ointment

Interferon ointment is indispensable in conditions when a child needs to be protected from exposure to viruses and bacteria.

The ointment is applied to the nose, twice a day (every 12 hours). It is advisable to apply it in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed. The course of treatment can last up to two weeks. Typically, children recover completely during this period.

The ointment is also used for preventive purposes. For a month, infants' nasal passages are smeared three times a week.

In addition, the ointment can be used for inflammatory formations of the oral cavity (tonsils, stomatitis).

Side effects

The instructions for the drug warn of possible side effects that may appear, but in very rare cases:

Side effects may occur during a drug overdose. In this case, you need to seek help from a doctor.

Contraindications

Interferon is a safe and effective medicine, provided that the instructions for use are followed. It should be used with caution for the following diseases:

Photo of the drug

Latin name: Interferon

ATX code: L03AB

Active substance: human α, β or γ interferon (IFN)

Manufacturer: Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland; Schering-Plough, USA; InterMune, USA

Description is valid on: 23.10.17

In this article you can read the instructions for use of the drug Interferon. Reviews of site visitors - consumers of this medicine, as well as the opinions of specialist doctors on the use of Interferon in their practice are presented. We kindly ask you to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, perhaps not stated by the manufacturer in the annotation. Interferon analogues in the presence of existing structural analogues. Use for the treatment and prevention of influenza, ARVI and hepatitis B and C in adults, children (including newborns and infants), as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Interferon- a mixture of different subtypes of natural alpha interferon from human blood leukocytes. It has antiviral, immunostimulating and antiproliferative effects. The antiviral effect of the drug is based mainly on increasing the resistance of body cells that have not yet been infected with the virus to possible effects. By binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, interferon alpha changes the properties of the cell membrane, stimulates specific enzymes, affects the RNA of the virus and prevents its replication. The immunomodulatory effect of interferon alpha is associated with stimulating the activity of macrophages and NK (Natural killer) cells, which, in turn, participate in the body’s immune response to tumor cells.

Indications

For parenteral use:

• hepatitis B and C
• genital warts
• hairy cell leukemia
• multiple myeloma
• non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
• mycosis fungoides
• Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with AIDS without a history of acute infections
• renal carcinoma
• malignant melanoma.

For rectal use:

• treatment of acute and chronic viral hepatitis.

For intranasal use:

• prevention and treatment of influenza, ARVI.

Release forms

Suppositories for rectal use 40,000 IU.

Lyophilisate for the preparation of a solution for intranasal administration of 1000 IU (nasal drops).

Liquid solution for topical use and inhalation 1000 IU/ml.

Instructions for use and dosage regimen

Intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intranasally. The dose is selected individually for each patient.

Hairy cell leukemia: initial dose - 3 million IU per day for 16-24 weeks, maintenance treatment - 3 million IU 3 times a week.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: days 1-3 - 3 million IU per day, days 4-6 - 9 million IU per day, days 7-84 - 18 million IU per day; maintenance treatment - maximum tolerated dose (no more than 18 million IU) 3 times a week.

Kaposi's sarcoma in the setting of AIDS: initial dose of 3 million IU per day in the first 3 days, days 4-6 - 9 million IU per day, days 7-9 - 18 million IU per day, if tolerated, the dose is increased to 36 million IU within 10-84 days; maintenance treatment - the maximum tolerated dose (but not more than 36 million IU) 3 times a week.

Renal cell carcinoma: 36 million IU per day with monotherapy or 18 million IU 3 times a week in combination with vinblastine. The dose is increased gradually, according to the scheme, starting with 3 million IU over 84 days. Melanoma - 18 million IU 3 times a week for 8-12 weeks.

Chronic myeloid leukemia and thrombocytosis in chronic myeloid leukemia: days 1-3 - 3 million IU per day, days 4-6 - 6 million IU per day, days 7-84 - 9 million IU per day, course - 8-12 weeks.

Thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative diseases, except for chronic myeloid leukemia: days 1-3 - 3 million IU per day, days 4-30 - 6 million IU per day.

Chronic active hepatitis B - 4.5 million IU 3 times a week for 6 months.

Chronic hepatitis C: initial dose - 6 million IU 3 times a week for 3 months; maintenance dose - 3 million IU 3 times a week for another 3 months.

For primary and secondary thrombocytosis, 2 million IU per day is prescribed at the beginning of treatment, 5 days a week for 4-5 weeks. If the platelet count does not decrease after 2 weeks, the dose is increased to 3 million IU per day; if there is no effect by the end of the third week, the dose is increased to 6 million IU per day. For initial thrombocytopenia (less than 15 G/l), the initial dose is 0.5 million IU. During the transition phase of chronic granulocytic leukemia and myelofibrosis, 1-3 million IU per day is prescribed according to the regimen; for multiple myeloma, 1 million IU every other day in combination with cytostatics and corticosteroids for at least 2 months.

Intranasally - for the treatment of influenza and ARVI.

Side effect

• fever;
• headache;
• myalgia;
• weakness;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• arterial hypotension;
• arrhythmia;
• drowsiness;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• dry skin;
• erythema;
• skin rash;
• general weakness;
• granulocytopenia.

When used parenterally, side effects are observed much more often than with other routes of administration.

Contraindications

• severe organic heart disease;
• severe dysfunction of the liver or kidneys;
• epilepsy and/or dysfunction of the central nervous system;
• chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver with symptoms of liver failure;
• chronic hepatitis in patients receiving or recently receiving treatment with immunosuppressants (except for treatment with corticosteroids);
• autoimmune hepatitis;
• thyroid diseases resistant to traditional therapy;
• confirmed hypersensitivity to interferon alpha.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of interferon alpha drugs during pregnancy is possible only in cases where the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. If it is necessary to use it in a nursing mother during lactation, the issue of stopping breastfeeding should be decided.

Patients of reproductive age should use reliable methods of contraception during therapy.

special instructions

Use with caution in patients with a history of a recent myocardial infarction, as well as in cases of changes in blood clotting and myelodepression.

For thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of less than 50,000/μl, s.c. should be used.

If CNS side effects develop in elderly patients receiving high doses of interferon alfa, careful evaluation should be performed and treatment should be interrupted if necessary.

Patients should receive hydration therapy, especially during the initial period of treatment.

In patients with hepatitis C receiving interferon alfa therapy for systemic use, thyroid dysfunction, expressed in hypo- or hyperthyroidism, is possible. Therefore, before starting a course of treatment, the level of TSH in the blood serum should be determined and treatment should be started only if the TSH level in the blood is normal.

Use interferon alfa with caution simultaneously with hypnotics, sedatives, and opioid analgesics.

Drug interactions

Since interferons inhibit oxidative metabolism in the liver, the biotransformation of drugs metabolized by this route may be impaired.

When used simultaneously with ACE inhibitors, synergism with respect to hematotoxicity is possible; with zidovudine - synergism regarding myelotoxic action; with paracetamol - it is possible to increase the activity of liver enzymes; with theophylline - decreased clearance of theophylline.

Analogues of the drug Interferon

Structural analogues of the active substance:

• Alfaferon;
• Wellferon;
• Interferon alpha-2b human recombinant;
• Human leukocyte interferon;
• Human leukocyte interferon liquid;
• Interferon leukocyte human dry;
• Human leukocyte interferon;
• Human leukocyte interferon in suppositories;
• Interferon alpha-2 recombinant ointment on a hydrogel basis;
• Inferon;
• Lokferon.

If there are no analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps, and look at the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.