Human leukocyte interferon 1000 IU

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

Indications

Prevention and treatment of influenza, as well as other acute respiratory viral infections.

Pharmacological effect

Interferon alpha is 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.

Active ingredient

Interferon alpha

Composition

Solution for topical use and inhalation

Active ingredient: leukocyte human interferon 1000 IU.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, 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

Side Effects

Lethargy, fever, chills, loss of appetite, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, dry mouth, weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, increased peristalsis, heartburn, liver dysfunction, hepatitis, dizziness, visual disturbances, ischemic retinopathy, depression, drowsiness, impaired consciousness, nervousness, sleep disturbance, allergic skin reactions (rash, itching).

Interaction

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 in terms of 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.

Storage conditions

At a temperature of 2–10 °C.

Shelf life

2 years

Manufacturer

Biomed named after I.I.Mechnikova JSC, Russia