Other antivirals (local classification)
ATC code: J05AX-KAGOCEL (Kagocel (local code))
Kagocel is the trade name of a polymer obtained by chemical modification of gossypol (a polyphenolic compound from cotton seeds) with carboxymethylcellulose. The manufacturer (Nearmedic Plus, Russia) claims induction of late interferon synthesis (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) in spleen, lymph nodes and intestinal mucosa, producing a generalised antiviral state. The active principle and its pharmacokinetics in humans are not characterised in indexed international literature. Kagocel is not registered by the , or any other major regulator and is not listed in antiviral or influenza materials. The molecule is registered only in Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Concerns about free gossypol residues, which have known antifertility effects in males, have been raised in Russian independent media and in international scientific commentary.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Evidence tier F. International guidelines ( NG84, CDC, ) do not recommend any "interferon inducer" or other "antiviral immunomodulator" for non-influenza acute viral respiratory infections in immunocompetent patients. Self-limiting upper respiratory infections require supportive care: hydration, rest, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain, saline nasal irrigation. Antibiotics are not indicated. Kagocel is absent from international URI care pathways and from systematic reviews of antiviral therapy.
Not recommended
Evidence tier F. Kagocel for herpes simplex infection is not mentioned in international guidelines (CDC STI 2021, IUSTI 2017, ). Evidence-based antiviral therapy for genital, orolabial and severe systemic herpes simplex consists of nucleoside analogues - aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir - either episodically or as suppressive therapy in patients with frequent recurrences. Adding kagocel to nucleoside therapy has no demonstrated benefit and is not part of any international recommendation.
Not recommended
Kagocel is marketed in Russian pharmacies as an interferon inducer for immunity. International clinical guidelines (, , , CDC) do not include the drug; the , , and AEMPS have not approved it. There are safety concerns about one component, gossypol (male contraceptive effect, potential hepatotoxicity), although the manufacturer claims the content is minimal. No independent international clinical studies with endpoints on cold duration exist. If Kagocel was recommended, consider seeking a second opinion.
Not recommended
Evidence tier F. Kagocel for influenza treatment or prevention is not mentioned in international guidelines ( 2024 influenza, 2018, NG191). No independent multicentre RCT meeting current and ICH standards has been published in MEDLINE-indexed journals. Published Russian trials are small, single-centre and predominantly manufacturer-sponsored. Evidence-based antiviral therapy for influenza is oseltamivir, zanamivir or baloxavir started within 48 hours of symptom onset in patients at high risk of complications. Annual influenza vaccination is the principal preventive measure recommended by WHO, CDC, ECDC and national programmes.
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Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label.
Kagocel is a synthetic polymer based on gossypol and carboxymethyl cellulose developed in Russia in the 1990s. Systematic reviews do not confirm efficacy as an antiviral or interferon inducer. Gossypol concerns (potential antifertility effect, historical reports of suppressed spermatogenesis in men) make use controversial. Not registered in Spain; no data on transfer into human milk; use during breastfeeding is not supported.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Kagocel is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F), Influenza (evidence tier F), Herpes simplex (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Kagocel (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label — allergic reactions (frequency not specified in available sources). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category N. Contraindicated in pregnancy per manufacturer label.
Kagocel is a synthetic polymer based on gossypol and carboxymethyl cellulose developed in Russia in the 1990s. Systematic reviews do not confirm efficacy as an antiviral or interferon inducer. Gossypol concerns (potential antifertility effect, historical reports of suppressed spermatogenesis in men) make use controversial. Not registered in Spain; no data on transfer into human milk; use during breastfeeding is not supported.
Kagocel is contraindicated in: Age under 3 years; Pregnancy; Breastfeeding; Lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption; Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.