The drug has antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulatory activity.
Interferon alfa-2b human recombinant, which is the active ingredient of the preparation, is synthesized by bacterial cells of Escherichia coli strain SG-20050/pIF16. The gene of human interferon alfa-2b is built into the genetic apparatus. It is a protein containing 165 amino acids and is identical in its characteristics and properties to human leukocyte interferon alpha-2b.
The antiviral effect of interferon alpha-2b is manifested during the period of virus reproduction by its active inclusion in the metabolic processes of cells. Interferon, interacting with specific receptors on the surface of cells, initiates a number of intracellular changes, including synthesis of specific cytokines and enzymes (2-5-adepylate synthetase and protein kinase), the action of which inhibits formation of viral protein and viral ribonucleic acid in the cell.
The immunomodulatory action of interferon alfa-2b is manifested in the increase of phagocytic activity of macrophages, increase of specific cytotoxic action of lymphocytes on the target cells, changes of quantitative and qualitative composition of secreted cytokines, changes of functional activity of immunocompetent cells, changes of production and secretion of intracellular proteins. Antitumor action of the drug is realized due to suppression of proliferation of tumor cells and synthesis of some oncogenes which leads to inhibition of tumor growth.
Indications
For adults as part of complex therapy:
– acute viral hepatitis B – moderate and severe forms at the beginning of the icteric period until the 5th day of jaundice (at later dates, the administration of the drug is less effective; the drug is not effective in developing hepatic coma and
cholestatic course of the disease);
– acute protracted hepatitis B and C, chronic active hepatitis B and C, chronic hepatitis B with the delta agent, without signs of cirrhosis and with signs of liver cirrhosis;
— kidney cancer stage IV, hairy cell leukemia, malignant lymphomas of the skin (mycosis fungoides, primary reticulosis, reticulosarcomatosis), Kaposi’s sarcoma,
basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, keratoacanthoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, subleukemic myelosis,
essential thrombocythemia;
– viral conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoiridocyclitis, keratouveitis.
In complex therapy for children over 1 year of age:
– for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the period of remission after the end of induction chemotherapy (at 4-5 months of remission);
– for respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx, starting the next day after removal of papillomas.
Pharmacological effect
The drug has antiviral, antitumor, immunomodulatory activity.
Human recombinant interferon alpha-2b, which is the active ingredient in the drug, is synthesized by bacterial cells of the Escherichia coli strain SG-20050/pIF16. the human interferon alpha-2b gene is built into their genetic apparatus. It is a protein containing 165 amino acids and is identical in characteristics and properties to human leukocyte interferon alpha-2b.
The antiviral effect of interferon alpha-2b manifests itself during the period of virus reproduction through active inclusion in the metabolic processes of cells. Interferon, interacting with specific receptors on the surface of cells, initiates a number of intracellular changes, including the synthesis of specific cytokines and enzymes (2-5-adepilate synthetase and protein kinase), the action of which inhibits the formation of viral protein and viral ribonucleic acid in the cell.
The immunomodulatory effect of interferon alpha-2b is manifested in an increase in the phagocytic activity of macrophages, an increase in the specific cytotoxic effect of lymphocytes on target cells, and a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of secreted cytokines. changes in the functional activity of immunocompetent cells, changes in the production and secretion of intracellular proteins. The antitumor effect of the drug is realized by suppressing the proliferation of tumor cells and the synthesis of certain oncogenes, leading to inhibition of tumor growth.
Special instructions
To timely identify abnormal laboratory parameters that may arise during therapy, general clinical blood tests must be repeated every 2 weeks, and biochemical tests – every 4 weeks.
When the platelet count decreases to less than 50×109/l. absolute number of neutrophils less than 0.75×109/l, it is recommended to temporarily reduce the dose by 2 times and repeat the analysis after 1-2 weeks. If changes persist, it is recommended to stop treatment.
If the platelet count decreases to a value less than 25×109/l, the absolute number of neutrophils is less than 0.50×109/l, it is recommended to stop treatment.
In case of development of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, anaphylaxis), the drug is discontinued and appropriate drug therapy is immediately prescribed. Transient skin rash does not require discontinuation of therapy.
If signs of liver dysfunction appear, the patient should be closely monitored. If symptoms progress, administration of the drug should be discontinued.
With mild to moderate renal impairment, their functional state must be carefully monitored.
Prescribe with caution to patients with severe chronic diseases, such as COPD, diabetes mellitus with a tendency to ketoacidosis, in patients with bleeding disorders, severe myelosuppression. In patients receiving Reaferon-EC for a long time, pneumopitis and pneumonia are observed in rare cases. Timely withdrawal of interferon alpha and administration of glucocorticosteroid therapy help relieve pulmonary syndromes.
In patients with thyroid diseases, before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the concentration of thyroid hormone; it is recommended to monitor its level at least once every 6 months. If dysfunction of the thyroid gland occurs or the course of existing diseases worsens that are not amenable to adequate drug correction, it is necessary to discontinue the drug.
In case of changes in the mental sphere and/or central nervous system, including the development of depression, observation by a psychiatrist is recommended during the treatment period, as well as for 6 months after its completion. These disorders are usually quickly reversible after cessation of therapy, but in some cases it may take up to 3 weeks for them to completely reverse. If the symptoms of a mental disorder do not regress or worsen, suicidal thoughts or aggressive behavior directed at other people appear, it is recommended to stop treatment with Reaferon-EC and consult a psychiatrist. Suicidal thoughts and attempts are more often observed in pediatric patients, primarily adolescents (2.4%), than in adults (1%). If therapy with interferon alfa-2b is considered necessary in adult patients with serious mental disorders (including a history), it should only be initiated if appropriate individual screening and treatment for the mental disorder is provided. The use of interferon alfa-2b in children and adolescents with serious mental disorders (including a history) is contraindicated.
With long-term use, usually after several months of treatment, visual disturbances are possible. An ophthalmological examination is recommended before starting therapy. If you complain of any ophthalmological disorders, immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary. Patients with diseases that may cause changes in the retina, such as diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension, should undergo an ophthalmological examination at least once every 6 months. If visual disturbances appear or worsen, discontinuation of Reaferon-EC therapy should be considered.
In elderly patients receiving the drug in high doses, disturbances of consciousness, coma, convulsions, and encephalopathy are possible. If such disorders develop and dose reduction is ineffective, treatment should be discontinued.
Patients with cardiovascular disease and/or advanced cancer require careful monitoring and ECG monitoring. If arterial hypertension develops, it is recommended to ensure adequate hydration and appropriate therapy.
In patients undergoing transplantation (eg, kidney or bone marrow), drug immunosuppression may be less effective because Interferon has a stimulating effect on the immune system.
With long-term use, interferon alfa may cause the development of interferon antibodies in some individuals. As a rule, antibody titers are low, and their appearance does not lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment.
Prescribe with caution to patients with a predisposition to autoimmune diseases. If symptoms of an autoimmune disease appear, a thorough evaluation should be performed and the possibility of continuing interferon therapy should be assessed. Rarely, interferon alpha therapy is associated with the occurrence or exacerbation of psoriasis and sarcoidosis.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery
During the period of use of the drug, patients experiencing fatigue, drowsiness or disorientation should refrain from engaging in potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
Active ingredient
Interferon alpha-2b
Composition
1 amp. – interferon alpha-2b human recombinant 3,000,000 IU
Excipients:
albumen,
solution for infusion 10% – 4.5 mg,
sodium chloride – 8.52 mg,
sodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate – 3.34 mg,
sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate – 0.49 mg.
Pregnancy
The drug is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contraindications
– hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
– severe forms of allergic diseases;
– severe diseases of the cardiovascular system: heart failure in the stage of decompensation, recent myocardial infarction, severe heart rhythm disturbances;
– severe renal and/or liver failure, including those caused by the presence of metastases, chronic hepatitis with uncompensated liver cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis;
– epilepsy and other central nervous system dysfunctions, mental illnesses and disorders in children and adolescents;
– history of autoimmune disease;
– use of immunosuppressants after transplantation;
– diseases of the thyroid gland that cannot be controlled by generally accepted therapeutic methods;
— CC below 50 ml/min (when prescribed in combination with ribavirin),
when used in combination with ribavirin, the contraindications specified in the instructions for use of ribavirin should also be taken into account;
– use in men whose partners are pregnant;
– pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With caution
– renal and/or liver failure, severe myelosuppression.
– mental disorders, especially expressed by depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts in the anamnesis.
– patients with psoriasis, sarcoidosis.
Side Effects
The frequency of adverse reactions is given in accordance with the WHO classification: “very common” – 1/10, “common” – more than 1/100, but less than 1/10, “infrequent” – more than 1/1000, but less than 1/100. “rare” – more than 1/10000, but less than 1/1000 and “very rare” with an occurrence of less than 1/10000, including individual reports.
When using Reaferon-EC (in clinical studies and outside clinical studies), the following adverse events were observed:
Often, with parenteral administration of the drug, a flu-like syndrome is observed (chills, fever, asthenia, fatigue, fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, headaches), partially relieved by paracetamol and indomethacin. As a rule, a flu-like syndrome appears at the beginning of treatment and decreases with continuation.
From the cardiovascular system: rarely – arrhythmias, transient reversible cardiomyopathy; very rarely – arterial hypotension, myocardial infarction.
From the digestive system: rarely – dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, appetite disturbances, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea; very rarely – pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity.
From the side of the central nervous system: rarely – irritability, nervousness, depression, asthenia, insomnia, anxiety, impaired ability to concentrate, suicidal thoughts, aggressiveness; very rarely – neuropathy, psychosis.
From the skin: rarely – skin rashes and itching. increased sweating, hair loss. When administered into or under the lesion, there is rarely a local inflammatory reaction. These side effects are usually not an obstacle to continuing use of the drug.
From the endocrine system: against the background of long-term use of the drug, changes in the thyroid gland are possible. Very rarely – diabetes mellitus.
From the laboratory parameters: when using the drug, deviations from the norm in laboratory parameters are possible, manifested by leukopenia, lymphopeia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, increased activity of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine concentration, urea. In general, these changes are usually minor, asymptomatic and reversible.
From the musculoskeletal system: rarely – rhabdomyolysis, leg cramps, back pain, myositis, myalgia.
From the respiratory system: rarely – pharyngitis, cough, dyspnea, pneumonia.
From the urinary system: very rarely – renal failure.
From the immune system: rarely – autoimmune pathology (vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus-like syndrome); very rarely – sarcoidosis, agioneurotic allergic edema, anaphylaxis, facial edema.
On the part of the visual organs: when the drug is applied topically on the mucous membrane of the eye, hyperemia, single follicles, and swelling of the conjunctiva of the lower fornix are possible. Rarely – hemorrhages in the retina, focal changes in the fundus of the eye, thrombosis of the arteries and veins of the retina, decreased visual acuity, optic neuritis, papilledema.
From the hearing organs: rarely – hearing loss.
In case of pronounced local and general adverse reactions, administration of the drug should be discontinued.
Interaction
Interferon alpha-2b is able to reduce the activity of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and, therefore, affect the metabolism of cimetidine, phenytoin, chimes, and theophylline. diazepam, propranolol, warfarin. some cytostatics. May enhance the neurotoxic, myelotoxic or cardiotoxic effects of drugs prescribed previously or simultaneously with it. Co-administration with drugs that depress the central nervous system should be avoided. immunosuppressive drugs (including oral and parenteral forms of GCS).
Interferons can influence oxidative metabolic processes. This should be taken into account when used simultaneously with drugs that are metabolized by oxidation (including xanthine derivatives – aminophylline and theophylline). When using Reaferon-EC with theophylline simultaneously, it is necessary to monitor the concentration of theophylline in the blood serum and, if necessary, adjust the dosage regimen.
When Reaferon-EC and hydroxyurea are used together, the incidence of cutaneous vasculitis may increase.
Drinking alcohol during treatment is not recommended.
Overdose
There were no cases of overdose. Considering that the active substance is interferon alfa-2b, an overdose may increase the severity of dose-dependent side effects.
Treatment: drug withdrawal; If necessary, carry out symptomatic therapy.
Storage conditions
The drug should be stored in a place protected from light and out of reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 8°C.
Shelf life
3 years.
A drug that has expired cannot be used.
Manufacturer
Vector-Medica JSC, Russia
Shelf life | 3 years. The drug with expired shelf life cannot be used. |
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Conditions of storage | The drug should be kept out of the reach of children and protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 8°C. |
Manufacturer | Vector-Medica JSC, Russia |
Medication form | lyophilizate |
Brand | Vector-Medica JSC |
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