GENFERON® (Interferon Alpha-2b)

What is GENFERON®?

GENFERON® is a medication that contains Interferon Alpha-2b, a recombinant human interferon. It is primarily used to support the immune system and treat various infections, especially those related to the urinary and genital tracts.

The product is available in the form of suppositories, with dosage options of 500,000 IU and 1,000,000 IU.

GENFERON® serves as both an immunomodulator and an antineoplastic agent, offering immune-boosting properties to support patients in managing their health conditions effectively.

What Conditions Does GENFERON® Treat?

GENFERON® is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract in adults. Conditions treated include:

• Genital Herpes: A viral infection that causes sores or blisters in the genital area.
• Chlamydia and Ureaplasmosis: Bacterial infections of the genital tract.
• Mycoplasmosis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by Mycoplasma bacteria.
• Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis: A yeast infection that occurs repeatedly in the vagina.
• Gardnerellosis and Bacterial Vaginosis: Imbalances in vaginal bacteria that can cause discomfort.
• Cervicitis and Cervical Erosion: Inflammation or sores on the cervix.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: A viral infection often leading to genital warts.
• Other Inflammatory Conditions: Such as prostatitis, urethritis, vulvovaginitis, bartolinitis, and adnexitis.

The medication is also effective in treating various sexually transmitted infections when used alongside other therapeutic agents, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials.

How Should GENFERON® Be Used?

GENFERON® is administered as a suppository, either vaginally or rectally, depending on the specific condition being treated.

• For Women: Typically, one suppository (500,000 IU or 1,000,000 IU) is administered twice a day for ten days. In cases of prolonged infections, it is recommended to continue treatment three times a week for one to three months.
• For Men: The treatment involves administering one suppository rectally (500,000 IU or 1,000,000 IU) twice a day for ten days.

In severe infections, a combined treatment approach may be recommended, involving both vaginal and rectal administration of different dosages to enhance the therapeutic effect.

What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Using GENFERON®?

Before starting treatment with GENFERON®, certain precautions need to be considered:

• Contraindications: Individuals with known hypersensitivity to interferon or any other ingredients in the formulation should not use GENFERON®.
• Allergic Reactions: Caution is advised for patients with a history of severe allergic or autoimmune disorders. Mild local allergic reactions, such as a burning sensation in the vagina, may occur but are generally reversible within 72 hours after discontinuation.
• Interaction with Other Medications: GENFERON® is most effective when used in combination with other antimicrobial drugs. The combination with non-narcotic analgesics and anticholinesterase agents may enhance the effect of benzocaine present in GENFERON®, whereas benzocaine can reduce the antibacterial activity of sulfonamides.
• Menstrual Cycle: The suppositories can be used during menstruation.

Can GENFERON® Be Used During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

GENFERON® can be used during pregnancy, specifically from the 13th to the 40th week, to improve local immunity as part of a comprehensive treatment for conditions like genital herpes, chlamydia, and HPV infections. However, the use of this medication during the first trimester has not been sufficiently studied, and therefore it is not recommended.

For breastfeeding mothers, there are no specific restrictions on using GENFERON® Lite, which contains lower doses suitable for children and pregnant women under medical supervision.

What are the Possible Side Effects of GENFERON®?

Most patients tolerate GENFERON® well, but some may experience side effects, typically very rare (less than 1 in 10,000). These include:

• Local Reactions: Burning sensation in the vagina.
• Systemic Reactions: As with other interferon treatments, some people may experience chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, sweating, or changes in blood cell counts (leukopenia and thrombocytopenia). These effects are more common when the daily dose exceeds 10,000,000 IU.

Should any severe or persistent symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. Generally, any allergic reaction is reversible, and treatment may resume once the symptoms subside.

How Should GENFERON® Be Stored?

• Temperature: Store GENFERON® at a temperature between 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F).
• Safety: Ensure that the product is kept out of the reach of children.
• Expiration: Do not use GENFERON® after the expiry date marked on the packaging.

What Should I Do in Case of Overdose?

There have been no reported cases of serious overdose with GENFERON®. However, in the event of administering more suppositories than prescribed, treatment should be paused for 24 hours, after which it can continue as per the recommended dosage. For any concerns regarding an overdose or misuse, consult a healthcare professional.

How is GENFERON® Lite Different?

GENFERON® Lite is a lower dose variant (125,000 IU or 250,000 IU) of the original GENFERON®. It is used for:

• Children: As a part of treatment for acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and other viral or bacterial infections. It is only administered rectally in children.
• Adults and Pregnant Women: For treating urogenital infections under the supervision of a healthcare provider, especially during the later stages of pregnancy (from the 13th to 40th week).

What is the Recommended Dosage for GENFERON® Lite?

The dosage for GENFERON® Lite varies based on age and condition:

• For Children: Typically, a suppository is administered rectally twice daily for five to ten days, with a 12-hour interval.
• For Pregnant Women and Adults: It is administered twice daily, either vaginally or rectally, based on medical advice, for a duration of 10 days.

After the initial treatment period, a preventive regimen may be adopted to avoid recurrence of infections, particularly in children who frequently fall ill.

Some of the analogues of GENFERON® (Interferon Alpha-2b) that contain the same active ingredient include:

1. Intron® A (Interferon Alpha-2b, recombinant) – This is a brand-name medication that contains recombinant interferon alpha-2b and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including hepatitis B and C, leukemia, and melanoma.


2. PEG-Intron® (Peginterferon Alpha-2b) – This is a brand-name medication that contains peginterferon alpha-2b, which is a form of interferon alpha-2b that is attached to a molecule of polyethylene glycol (PEG). This modification allows the medication to remain in the body longer, which can increase its effectiveness in treating hepatitis C.


3. Altevir® (Interferon Alpha-2b, recombinant) – This is a brand-name medication that contains recombinant interferon alpha-2b and is used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C, leukemia, and melanoma.


4. Bioferon® (Interferon Alpha-2b, recombinant) – This is a generic medication that contains recombinant interferon alpha-2b and is used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C, leukemia, and melanoma.