At the moment, there are many ways to combat viral and oncological diseases. There are drugs whose action covers both of these areas. For example, these are preparations containing interferon, the instructions for which determine the immunomodulating, antiviral and antitumor effects.
What is interferon?
In essence, these are proteins that are found 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 body protection. Almost all RNA and DNA-containing viruses are sensitive to interferon and cannot adapt to its action.
During the disease, the natural defense is impaired, so additional funds in the form of drugs containing interferon are effective. Instructions to them indicate various diseases for the treatment of which they can be prescribed.
So, these drugs are used to treat herpes, SARS, influenza, hepatitis, fungal and bacterial infections, gynecological infectious diseases, and even AIDS and cancer.
Dosage Forms
For the treatment of cancer and hepatitis, interferon preparations are administered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly. With gynecological diseases, candles are used. During SARS and influenza, intronasal drops or interferon-based solutions for inhalation are used. Moreover, inhalation can be used for children. An ointment is used to treat herpes.
There are two types of drugs containing interferon. The use of the first of them, 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 donated blood. On its basis, drops, solutions for inhalation and suppositories are produced. Such drugs are also called first-generation interferons.
There are also second-generation interferon drugs, they are also recombinant, that is, made by genetic engineering. They are safer in comparison with leukocyte, since donor blood is not used in their creation.
When can I not use interferon?
Not in all cases, drugs containing interferon can be used. Instructions for some of them indicate an extensive list of side effects. Therefore, they are prescribed only in extreme cases.
On the part of the digestive system, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, a change in taste, weight loss, and abdominal pain are possible. In rare cases, constipation, ulcerative stomatitis, heartburn, flatulence, increased peristalsis occur, and even less commonly, liver failure.
These drugs can affect the nervous system, causing a decrease in concentration, sleep disturbance, decreased cognitive functions, numbness of the limbs, cramps, anxiety, and dizziness.
Among other negative effects - impaired vision, anemia, impaired thyroid function. And this is not all the side effects that may occur while taking medications containing interferon. The instruction for any of these medicines illuminates this issue in more detail.
Among the contraindications hypersensitivity, renal or liver failure, myocardial infarction, severe mental disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, chronic hepatitis, lactation, epilepsy are noted. And this is not a complete list either. However, for different drugs based on this substance, criteria such as contraindications, side effects and the field of application may vary slightly, therefore, for more complete information on each of them, it is recommended to refer to the instructions for a particular drug.