Interferons (suppositories, local classification)
ATC code: L03AB05-VIFERON (Interferon α-2b suppositories (Viferon) – local code)
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.
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
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.
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 %.
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.
Not recommended
Viferon for influenza prevention is not mentioned in international sources. Proven prevention is annual influenza vaccination per and CDC.
Opens the checker prefilled with this drug. Pick the second one from your regimen.
Manufacturer label permits use from the second trimester. No international recommendations.
Permitted during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Interferon α-2b in suppositories is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F), Influenza prevention (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
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.
FDA category N. Manufacturer label permits use from the second trimester. No international recommendations.
Permitted during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.
Interferon α-2b in suppositories is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity. Full list in the Safety section.