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Interferon α-2b in suppositories

Interferons (suppositories, local classification)

ATC code: L03AB05-VIFERON(Interferon α-2b suppositories (Viferon) – local code)

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

F

Chronic hepatitis C

Not recommended

In chronic hepatitis C, rectal Viferon is not mentioned in / or guidelines. The standard of care is direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieving sustained virological response above 95 %.

Sources

  1. Clin Infect Dis: Hepatitis C Guidance 2023 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. (2023)
  2. J Hepatol: EASL recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C: Final update of the series(☆). (2020)
  3. Acta Virol: Use of recombinant alpha-2b-interferon in combination with antioxidants in the form of rectal suppositories (viferon) in children with chronic hepatitides B and C. (2000)

ICD-10: B18.2 · ICD-11: 1E51.1

F

Common cold

Not recommended

Rectal interferon α-2b in viral URI in adults and children is not mentioned in , , , or CDC guidelines. The rectal form's efficacy in URI has not been independently evaluated. Foundation: symptomatic URI care.

Sources

  1. Ter Arkh: Clinical and interferon-modulating efficacy of a combination of rectal and topical dosage forms of interferon-α2b in acute respiratory infections. (2018)
  2. Cochrane Database Syst Rev: WITHDRAWN: Antivirals for the common cold. (2007)

ICD-10: J00 · ICD-11: CA00

F

Immune support and respiratory infection care

Not recommended

Viferon (recombinant interferon α-2b in suppositories), marketed by Feron, is promoted as an immunity agent for colds, flu, and other infections. International clinical guidelines (, , ) do not include the drug. Systemic interferons have proven efficacy in specific diseases (chronic hepatitis B/C, some tumors), but rectal forms do not achieve bioavailability for systemic effect – absorption studies show minimal entry into the bloodstream. No independent international RCTs with endpoints on colds exist. If Viferon was recommended to a child or adult, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

  1. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Antivirals for the common cold (2001)
  2. Ter Arkh: Clinical and interferon-modulating efficacy of a combination of rectal and topical dosage forms of interferon-α2b in acute respiratory infections. (2018)
How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

The product contains recombinant interferon α-2b combined with vitamin E and ascorbic acid in suppositories. The manufacturer claims antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Systemic bioavailability of rectal interferon is not established. IM or SC pegylated interferon-α has proven efficacy in chronic hepatitis B/C and other indications; the rectal form with these claims is not supported by international guidelines.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

Serious adverse effects

  • Independent data on serious adverse events are unavailable

Common adverse effects

  • Allergic reactions (rare per label)

Pregnancy: can you take Interferon α-2b in suppositories?

Manufacturer label permits use from the second trimester. No international recommendations.

Breastfeeding: can you take Interferon α-2b in suppositories?

Permitted during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Viferon is produced and used only in Russia by Feron. Not registered internationally. Included in some Russian Ministry of Health guidelines for pediatric URI. Systemic bioavailability of rectal interferon is not supported by independent international studies. International guidelines do not support interferons as a class for URI.

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Frequently asked

What is Interferon α-2b in suppositories used for?

Interferon α-2b in suppositories is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F), Influenza prevention (evidence tier F), Chronic hepatitis C (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Interferon α-2b in suppositories?

Common side effects of Interferon α-2b in suppositories (≥ 1 in 100): Allergic reactions (rare per label). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Interferon α-2b in suppositories safe during pregnancy?

Manufacturer label permits use from the second trimester. No international recommendations.

Is Interferon α-2b in suppositories compatible with breastfeeding?

Permitted during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.

Who should not take Interferon α-2b in suppositories?

Interferon α-2b in suppositories is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Alloferon (Allokin-alfa), Cat's claw, Sodium deoxyribonucleate (Derinat), Echinacea purpurea (juice/extract), Glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide, Azoximer bromide, Aminodihydrophthalazinedione sodium, Bacterial lysates OM-85