"Anaferon": what helps, instructions for use

Treatment for colds, flu and other infections is especially effective if started as quickly as possible. For a quick recovery, antiviral drugs are used, for example, Anaferon. This medicine is suitable for both children and adults. You can buy it without a prescription at a very affordable price.

"Anaferon": composition, description

"Anaferon" is an antiviral drug that contains antibodies to interferon. They are a combination of several active components. Additional compounds - lactose, magnesium in the form of stearate and others. The drug is produced in the form of tablets - 20 pcs. in one package.

The medicine is used mainly to treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. the active components have an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. They lead to an increase in antibody synthesis, resulting in the formation of interferon. Thanks to this, the activity of individual cells of the immune system increases, which facilitates quick and easy recovery from viral infections.

The drug is also used to relieve symptoms of intoxication, which often accompany respiratory pathologies. The use of the drug is also justified in the presence of bacterial infections, to prevent the risk of superinfections. "Anaferon" is sometimes used together with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. Then their dosage can be reduced.

Store the drug in normal room conditions at temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius and low humidity. Access to sunlight is excluded. It should also be kept away from children. The shelf life of the tablets is 3 years from the date of production.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of anaferon for children in the nonspecific prevention of ARVI in primary schoolchildren

According to the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare for 2005, about 16.5 million cases of acute respiratory viral diseases (ARVI) were registered among children under the age of 14 years, of which the share of cases of confirmed influenza amounted to 2.3% - more than 370 thousand [1].

Respiratory pathology is caused by about 300 types of pathogens. This is a large group of microorganisms, which includes not only viruses (influenza A and B viruses, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, RS virus, rhino- and reoviruses, coronavirus and picornaviruses, etc.) - about 200 species, but also other pathogens : opportunistic infections, bacteria and fungi [2, 3].

Currently, there are three main ways to control ARVI and influenza: vaccination, chemotherapy and nonspecific prophylaxis [4]. Vaccination against influenza viruses, while providing a stable and long-lasting protective effect, unfortunately has a narrow focus. In addition, the constantly changing antigenic properties of the influenza virus, associated with its high variability, significantly complicate the implementation of complete vaccine prevention [5].

Chemotherapy involves the use of synthetic and natural substances that affect the reproduction of viruses. However, the rather narrow spectrum of action and the possibility of rapid development of viral resistance to drugs of this class limits their use [5].

In this regard, it is now quite natural to focus attention on nonspecific prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, associated primarily with an increase in the activity of natural anti-infective defense mechanisms.

Particular importance in programs for seasonal nonspecific prevention of influenza and ARVI is given to immunomodulatory agents and inducers of endogenous interferons [5]. Currently, an interesting drug is one of the representatives of this group - anaferon for children.

It contains affinity-purified antibodies to human γ-interferon (γ-INF): a mixture of homeopathic dilutions C12, C30 and C50. According to numerous literature data, anaferon for children has immunomodulatory and antiviral effects [6, 7, 8].

It is known that the production of interferons is an important component of a complete immune response to a viral infection and largely determines the nature of the course of the disease [9]. Anaferon has a versatile modulating effect on all parts of the immune system and interferon status [6, 8, 10]. Thus, anaferon induces and modulates the formation of endogenous “early” interferons α, β and, most importantly, γ-INF. Interferons suppress virus replication and prevent infection of other cells. Under the influence of anaferon, the functional activity of macrophages and NK cells (cytotoxic lymphocytes), which lyse already infected cells, also increases. All these processes underlie the relatively rapid antiviral effect of anaferon [6, 8, 10].

In addition, anaferon affects the production of endogenous cytokines, restores their activity and modulates functionally associated processes. Anaferon is an inducer of both cellular (through Th-1) and humoral (through Th-2) immune response: it increases the production of Th-1 cytokines (γ-IFN and interleukin (IL)-2) and Th-2 (IL-2). 4, IL-10). In addition, anaferon regulates the ratio of Th-1 and Th-2 activities and increases the production of antibodies (including secretory immunoglobulin A) [6].

Due to the use of special production technology, the active substance in the drug is contained in ultra-low doses. In this regard, anaferon is highly safe and can be widely used as a means of nonspecific prevention of influenza and ARVI during an epidemically dangerous period in organized children's groups [11]. Anaferon for children is indicated for healthy children for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as for children belonging to the group of people who are often and long-term ill [12, 13, 14].

In January–February 2005, to study the effectiveness of children's Anaferon in the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, we conducted a comprehensive study at a secondary school of a healthy child.

For prophylactic use, Anaferon for children was used during an epidemic period, 1 tablet per day for 40 days, sublingually. This scheme has proven itself on the positive side; it is simple and convenient to use in mass children’s groups [11, 12, 13, 14].

The study involved 200 children in 1st and 2nd grades aged 7 to 8 years. When forming the main and control groups, randomization (a simple method) was used, which ensured the homogeneity of the groups. The children who made up the main group (100 children) received anaferon for children for nonspecific prevention of ARVI. The control group (100 children) included children who did not receive nonspecific prevention of ARVI and influenza. As a result of randomization, children from both the main and control groups were present in each class. Analyzing the effectiveness of preventing influenza and ARVI with the drug Anaferon for children, it should be noted that during the epidemic, only 13% of children receiving this drug fell ill, while in the group of schoolchildren who did not receive non-specific means of preventing ARVI, 58% fell ill (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Incidence rate of ARVI in children in organized children's groups

The security indicator was about 77.6%. Significance was assessed using two-sided Fisher's test (p < 0.001).

According to the objectives, the features of the course of ARVI, in particular, the severity of the disease, were separately analyzed.

Only 6 children from the main group had a severe course of ARVI, while in the control group 28 children suffered a severe acute respiratory disease. These differences are also significant according to the two-sided Fisher test (p < 0.001) (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Proportion of children who suffered severe ARVI

When assessing pharmacoeconomic effectiveness, we used data from I. L. Shakhanina [15]. The cost of nonspecific prevention of ARVI with anaferon for children was 24,500 rubles. The cost of treating cases of ARVI is 74,200 rubles. Thus, the total costs in the main group amounted to 98,700 rubles. An assessment of the preventive effect showed that the use of Anaferon for children prevented 45 cases of ARVI, including 23 episodes of complications from ARVI. At the same time, the prevented economic damage amounted to 270,900 rubles. When comparing the costs of nonspecific prevention of ARVI with anaferon for children with the amount of prevented economic damage, it turned out that the economic benefit from the use of anaferon for children in junior high school per 100 children amounted to 172,200 rubles.

Based on the results of our study, the following conclusions can be drawn:

anaferon for children has shown high effectiveness as a means for nonspecific prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in children in secondary schools in relation to influenza and acute respiratory viral infections during an epidemically dangerous period, during the winter season of 2004-2005;
the absence of contraindications, as well as the absence of side effects, a convenient method (sublingual tablet) and a regimen of use (1 tablet once a day, daily for 40 days) allow the widespread use of Anaferon for children in mass children's groups;
anaferon for children can be successfully used for mass prevention of influenza and ARVI, as well as their complications in school groups during seasonal diseases of the respiratory tract;
The economic efficiency of using anaferon for children among primary school students, as studies have shown, is quite high.

Literature

Infectious disease incidence in the Russian Federation for January-December 2005. Reference information of the Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Protection of Consumer Rights and Human Welfare of the Federal State Health Institution, “Federal Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology.”
Evstropov A. N. Pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections in humans // Clinical antimicrobial chemotherapy. 2001. T. 3. No. 1-2. pp. 38-41.
Kolobukhina L.V. Viral respiratory tract infections//Russian Medical Journal. 2000. T. 8. No. 13-14. pp. 559-564.
Drinevsky V. P., Osidak L. V., Tsybalova L. M. Acute respiratory infections in children and adolescents: a practical guide / ed. O. I. Kiseleva. St. Petersburg: SpetsLit, 2003. P. 181.
Ershov F.I., Kasyanova N.V., Polonsky V.O. Is rational pharmacotherapy of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections possible? // Consilium Medicum. 2003. T. 5. No. 6. P. 129-135.
Osidak L.V., Afanasyeva O.I., Drinevsky V.P. Anaferon for children. A new remedy in the treatment and prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections in children: a method. manual for doctors. St. Petersburg, 2003. P. 25.
Chuvirov G. N., Markova T. P. Antiviral therapy in the treatment of influenza // Russian Medical Journal. 2004. T. 12. No. 21. P. 1216-1226.
Uchaikin V.F., Epshtein O.I., Sergeeva S.A., Orlova T.G., Kharlamova F.S. et al. Anaferon for children. Domestic immunocorrector with antiviral activity: a manual for pediatricians and infectious disease specialists / ed. V. F. Uchaikina. M., 2003. P. 35.
Ershov F.I. The interferon system in normal conditions and in pathology. M.: Medicine, 1996. P. 240.
Martyushev-Poklad A. V. Mechanisms of antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of ultra-low doses of antibodies to interferon gamma: dis. ...cand. honey. Sci. Tomsk, 2003. 119 p.
Timchenko V. N., Chernova T. M. Modern methods of influenza prevention // Terra Medica. 2005. No. 4. P. 14-18.
New opportunities for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in children: effectiveness and safety: Based on materials from the scientific and practical conference “Pharmacotherapy in Pediatrics” 2005 // Polyclinic. 2006. No. 1. P. 10-11.
Lytkina I. N., Volkova N. A. Experience in the use of some modern drugs during nonspecific prevention of ARVI in children's organized groups // Children's infections. 2004. No. 4. P. 49-54.
Kuprina N. P., Kokoreva S. P., Semenchenko L. V., Shishlova S. A., Ragozina V. N. Clinical and laboratory effectiveness of the use of “Anaferon for children” in the complex therapy of frequently ill children. // Childhood diseases. 2005. No. 3. P.54-58.
Shakhanina I. L., Osipova L. A. Economic losses from infectious diseases in Russia: values and trends // Epidemiology and infectious diseases. 2005. No. 4. pp. 19-21.

T. I. Garashchenko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor L. I. Ilyenko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor M. V. Garashchenko Russian State Medical University, Moscow

Indications for use

The drug is used to treat infectious pathologies, including:

flu;
ARVI;
for the prevention of colds;
herpetic disease;
cytomegalovirus type infection (chronic form);
prevention and treatment of immunodeficiency;
bacterial, mixed infection (in this case, Anaferon is used as an additional remedy).

The product has a general stimulating effect on the immune system, so it should be used by those patients who have problems with the immune system. The drug is also prescribed for the prevention of diseases, which is especially important for workers who regularly stay in crowded places.

Contraindications and side effects

"Anaferon" can be used by almost all patients, with the exception of a few cases:

pregnancy period (all trimesters);
breastfeeding period;
intolerance to one or more active ingredients;
congenital galactosemia;
glucose malabsorption;
lactase deficiency of congenital type.

It is possible to develop side effects - allergic reactions. However, they appear infrequently - generally the treatment proceeds well.

Instructions for use "Anaferon"

The drug is used by both adults and children. Adult patients place one tablet under the tongue and dissolve until completely dissolved. Reception is carried out from 3 to 6 times a day, depending on the stage of development of the infection. After normalization of well-being, the drug is used for another 8 to 10 days in a row, but 1 tablet per day.

The children's form of the drug is used 1 pc. per day for a month. In this case, a repeated course can be planned only after a break of 1 month in agreement with the doctor.

If the remedy is used for a tick bite to prevent the development of encephalitis, it is enough to take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 3 weeks (even if there are no corresponding symptoms).

The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. As a rule, the product is used 1 tablet every 30 minutes (during the first 3 hours). Then, after taking 5 tablets, take 3 tablets per day at equal time intervals.

If you follow the described recommendations, Anaferon does not pose a threat to life or health. No cases of overdose have been registered. However, if allergic reactions begin to appear, you need to stop taking it and consult a specialist.

ANAFERON

Compound:

Active ingredient: 1 tablet contains affinity-purified antibodies to human interferon gamma: a mixture of homeopathic dilutions C12, C30 and C200 - 3 mg;

Excipients: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate.

Dosage form. Pills.

Basic physical and chemical properties:

Tablets are flat-cylindrical, scored and chamfered, from white to almost white. On one flat side with a notch there is the inscription MATERIA MEDICA, on the other flat side there is the inscription ANAFERON.

Pharmacological group. Homeopathic medicine.

Pharmacological properties.

The drug is used for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. When used prophylactically and therapeutically, it has an antiviral effect. Experimentally and clinically proven effectiveness against influenza viruses, parainfluenza, herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (labial herpes, genital herpes), other herpes viruses (varicella, infectious mononucleosis), enteroviruses, tick-borne encephalitis virus, rotavirus, coronavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus , respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus). The drug reduces the concentration of the virus in the affected tissues, acts on the system of endogenous interferons and associated cytokines, induces the formation of endogenous “early” interferons (IFN α/β) and γ-interferon (γ-IFN).

Has antimutagenic properties.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (including influenza).

Complex therapy of infections caused by herpes viruses (infectious mononucleosis, chicken pox, labial herpes, genital herpes).

Complex therapy and prevention of relapses of chronic herpesvirus infection, including labial and genital herpes.

Complex therapy and prevention of other acute and chronic viral infections caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus, enterovirus, rotavirus, coronavirus, calicivirus.

Complex therapy of secondary immunodeficiency states of various etiologies, including prevention and treatment of complications of viral and bacterial infections.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Interaction with other drugs and other types of interactions.

There are no cases of incompatibility with other drugs.

If necessary, the drug can be used in conjunction with other antiviral, antibacterial and symptomatic agents.

Features of application.

The drug contains lactose, and therefore is not recommended for use in patients with congenital galactosemia, glucose malabsorption syndrome, or congenital lactase deficiency.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

There are no data on the effectiveness and safety of the drug during pregnancy and lactation, so it should not be prescribed during these periods.

The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving a vehicle or working with other mechanisms.

Does not affect reaction speed when driving vehicles or operating other mechanisms.

Method of administration and dose.

The drug is taken orally, 1 tablet 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal. Keep the tablet in your mouth (preferably without chewing or swallowing) until completely dissolved.

ARVI, influenza, intestinal infections, herpesvirus infections, neuroinfections.

Treatment should begin as early as possible when the first signs of an acute viral infection appear according to the following scheme: for the first 2 hours the drug is taken every 30 minutes (5 doses), then during the first 24 hours - another 3 tablets at regular intervals (a total of 8 tablets during the first days). Starting from the 2nd day and thereafter, the drug is taken 1 tablet 3 times a day until complete recovery.

If there is no improvement on the third day of treatment for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, you should consult a doctor.

For prevention, take 1 tablet once a day for 1-3 months (during the entire epidemic season).

Genital herpes. For acute manifestations of genital herpes, take at regular intervals according to the following scheme: 1-3 days - 1 tablet 8 times a day, then - 1 tablet 4 times a day for at least 3 weeks.

To prevent relapses of chronic herpesvirus infection - 1 tablet per day. The recommended duration of the preventive course is determined individually and can reach 6 months.

When using the drug for the treatment and prevention of immunodeficiency conditions - 1 tablet per day.

Children.

Do not use in children.

Overdose.

No cases of overdose have been reported. In case of accidental overdose, dyspepsia may occur due to the constituents of the drug.

Adverse reactions.

Allergic reactions are possible, including itching, rash, urticaria, skin flushing and swelling, and difficulty swallowing.

Best before date.

3 years.

Do not use after the expiration date stated on the packaging.

Storage conditions.

Store at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.