User manual for Vagiferon
You can buy Vagiferon here
Release form and composition
Dosage form - vaginal suppositories: white with a yellowish tinge or white, torpedo-shaped (5 pcs. In blisters, 1 or 2 packs in a cardboard box).
Active substances in the composition of Vagiferon (in 1 suppository):
recombinant human alpha-2b interferon - not less than 50,000 IU (international units);
fluconazole - 200 mg;
metronidazole - 150 mg.
Auxiliary components in the composition of Vagiferon: edetate disodium - 2 mg; boric acid - 400 mg; base (macrogol 400 - 8%; macrogol 1500 - 92%) - up to 2000 mg.
Pharmacodynamics
Vagiferon is one of the combined drugs for intravaginal use. It has antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiprotozoal (trichomonacid) effect.
Properties of active ingredients:
metronidazole: is a 5-nitroimidazole derivative; has an antiprotozoal and antibacterial effect. The mechanism of action lies in the biochemical reduction of the 5-nitro group of metronidazole by intracellular transport proteins of protozoa and anaerobic microorganisms. Shows activity against Gardnerella vaginalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as gram-negative anaerobes Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp. and some gram-positive anaerobes (sensitive strains - Peptococcus niger, Eubacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Clostridium spp., Mobiluncus spp.). Facultative anaerobes and aerobic microorganisms are not sensitive to metronidazole;
fluconazole: has a highly specific fungicidal (antifungal) effect. Shows activity in mycoses, including with Candida spp. (including generalized forms of candidiasis against the background of immunosuppression), Coccidioides immitis and Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastoyces dermatitidis, Microsporum spp. With intravaginal administration, it is more active against Candida albicans, to a lesser extent - Candida glabrata;
interferon alpha-2b: has a pronounced immunomodulatory and antiviral effect.
Pharmacokinetics
The bioavailability of metronidazole after intravaginal administration is 20% higher in comparison with oral administration. After intravaginal administration, it undergoes systemic absorption (approximately 56%). It is metabolized in the liver by hydroxylation, oxidation and glucuronidation. The activity of the main metabolite (2-oxymetronidazole) is 30% of the activity of the parent compound. It is excreted by 40–70% through the kidneys (in unchanged form - about 20%). The half-life ranges from 6 to 12 hours.
The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole and interferon with intravaginal administration has not been studied.
Indications for use
vaginitis caused by mixed infection, including yeast-like fungi, gardenrella, Trichomonas, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, ureaplasma, mycoplasma (in combination with other drugs);
bacterial vaginosis;
nonspecific (bacterial) vaginitis.
Contraindications
pregnancy and lactation;
age under 18;
individual intolerance to the components of the drug, as well as nitroimidazole derivatives.
Instructions for the use of Vagiferon: method and dosage
The drug is used intravaginally.
Recommended dosage regimen: 1 suppository in the evening (before bedtime) for a course of 10 days.
Side effects
Vagiferon, as a rule, does not lead to the appearance of side effects. In some cases, the development of allergic and local reactions can be observed.
Disturbances characteristic of metronidazole (its systemic absorption is 56%): ataxia, convulsions, leukopenia, mental changes (in the form of anxiety, mood lability); rarely - dizziness, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps / pains, diarrhea, constipation, headache, unpleasant or metallic taste, taste change, dry mouth, fatigue.
Overdose
There is no evidence of an overdose.
Possible symptoms of an overdose of metronidazole: dizziness, dark urine, convulsions, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, metallic taste in the mouth, leukopenia, ataxia, paresthesia.
Special instructions
It is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment.
In cases of using the drug in combination with oral administration of metronidazole, especially during a repeated course, it is necessary to control the picture of peripheral blood (associated with the risk of developing leukopenia).
It is impossible to consume alcohol during therapy (due to the likelihood of disulfiram-like reactions manifested in the form of abdominal pain of a spastic nature, nausea, vomiting, headache, sudden flushes of blood to the face). Patients who have taken disulfiram within the past 14 days should not be prescribed metronidazole.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
It is contraindicated to use the drug during pregnancy and lactation.
Breastfeeding can be resumed no earlier than 48 hours after the end of therapy.
Childhood use
The drug is not prescribed for children under 18 years of age, which is due to the lack of data confirming its safety / efficacy in this group of patients.
Drug interactions
According to the instructions, Vagiferon can be used simultaneously with a macrolide antibiotic (josamycin) of systemic action.
Combined use with non-depolarizing muscle relaxants (vecuronium bromide) is not recommended.
Terms and conditions of storage
Store at 2-8 ° C. Keep out of the reach of children.
Shelf life is 2 years.
Reviews about Vagiferon
According to a few reviews, Vagiferon is a fairly effective drug that practically does not cause side effects.
Terms of sell
You don't need a prescription to buy Vagiferon.