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.
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 for influenza prevention is not mentioned in international sources. Proven prevention is annual influenza vaccination per and CDC.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Viferon (rectal recombinant interferon α-2b suppositories) is marketed by Feron as «immune support» for children and adults. Systemic bioavailability of rectal interferon is not supported by independent international studies. The product is absent from , , , and CDC guidelines. International sources do not support interferons as a class for routine URI prevention.
Manufacturer label permits use from the second trimester. No international recommendations.
Permitted during breastfeeding per manufacturer label.
interferon α-2b in suppositories is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Influenza prevention (evidence tier F), Chronic hepatitis C (evidence tier F), Acute respiratory viral infection (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.
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.