At the moment there are many waysfight against viral and oncological diseases. There are drugs, the action of which covers both these areas. For example, these are preparations containing interferon, the instructions to which determine the immunomodulatory, antiviral and antitumor effect.
What is interferon?
In essence, these are proteins that are contained in the blood. They are produced by the cells of the body during the invasion of viruses and other foreign agents. Interferons block the process of reproduction of viral RNA and DNA. Also, these proteins affect neighboring cells, making them immune to viruses. That is, they provide natural protection of the body. Almost all RNA and DNA-containing viruses are sensitive to interferon and can not adapt to its action.
During the disease, natural protectionis broken, therefore additional funds in the form of preparations containing interferon are effective. The instruction to them indicates various diseases for which they can be prescribed.
So, these funds are used to treat herpes, ARVI, influenza, hepatitis, fungal and bacterial infections, gynecological infections and even AIDS and cancer.
Dosage forms
For the treatment of cancer and hepatitis, interferon preparationsadministered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly. For gynecological diseases, candles are used. During ARVI and influenza, intranasal drops or solutions for inhalation based on interferon are used. Moreover, inhalations can be used for children. For the treatment of herpes, ointment is used.
There are two types of drugs containinginterferon. The first of these, leukocyte, is dangerous because there is a risk of contracting diseases that are transmitted through the blood. This is explained by the manufacturing method - such interferons in the form of a powder are made from human blood. It is based on the production of drops, solutions for inhalations and suppositories. Such drugs are also called first-generation interferons.
There are also second-line interferon preparationsgeneration, they are also recombinant, that is, made by genetically engineered method. They are safer than leukocytes, since donor blood is not used when they are created.
When interferon can not be used?
In all cases, medications containing interferon may be used. The instruction to some of them points to an extensive list of side effects. Therefore, they are appointed only in extreme cases.
On the part of the digestive system, nausea,vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, changes in taste, weight loss, abdominal pain. In rare cases, constipation occurs, ulcerative stomatitis, heartburn, flatulence, increased peristalsis, and even less often liver failure.
On the nervous system, these drugs can affect, causing a decrease in concentration, sleep disturbance, decreased cognitive functions, numbness of the limbs, convulsions, anxiety, dizziness.
Among other negative effects - violationvision, anemia, thyroid dysfunction. And this is far from all the side effects that can occur during the administration of medications containing interferon. The instruction for any of these medicines covers this issue in more detail.
Among the contraindications notedhypersensitivity, renal or hepatic insufficiency, myocardial infarction, severe mental disorders, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, lactation period, epilepsy. And this is also not a complete list. However, for various drugs based on this substance, such criteria as contraindications, side effects and the scope of application may be slightly different, therefore, for obtaining more complete information on each of them, it is recommended to consult the instructions of the specific preparation.
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