Anaferon
- a homeopathic remedy produced by NPF Materia Medica Holding (Moscow)[1]. Positioned. The manufacturer claims that the drug has antiviral activity by increasing the body's overall resistance, but its effectiveness is often questioned due to the complete absence of the active substance in the tablets. Science does not know how antibodies to interferon can help in the prevention or treatment of influenza and ARVI[1].
According to modern evidence-based medicine, the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines does not exceed the placebo effect[2][3][4].
The FDA has issued a letter warning against treating influenza with homeopathic remedies[5].
WHO considers it dangerous to trust the treatment of infectious diseases to homeopathic remedies[6].
The NHMRC has officially stated that homeopathy has no health benefits and may cause harm[7].
The Commission for Combating Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research under the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in its memorandum “On the pseudoscience of homeopathy,” classifies anaferon (and a number of other drugs) as “hidden homeopathy,” since the manufacturer does not inform the consumer that the substances included in the drug are present in it in homeopathic doses[8].
Analogues of the drug according to ATC codes:
ACTINOLYSATE AMINODIHYDROPHTHALAZINDIONE SODIUM ANAFERON CHILDREN'S ARBIDOL ARGINIL-ALPHA-ASPARTYL-LYSIL-VALYL-TYROSYL-ARGININE ARPEFLUE AFFINOLEUKIN BESTIM BIOARON S BRONCHO-MUNAL VOBE-MUGOS E GALAVIT GALAVIT GALAV IT GALAVIT GALAVIT GEPON GLUTOXIM DIOXOMETHYLTETRAHYDROPYRIMIDINE IMMUNAL IMMUNEX IMMUNOMAX IMMUNORM IMUDON IMUNOFAN IMUNOFAN LYCOPIDE METHYLDIOXOTETRAHYDROPYRIMIDINE SULFONISONICOTINOYL HYDRAZIDE SODIUM METHYLURACIL NUCLEINATE NEOVIR SODIUM NUCLEINATE SODIUM PYROGENAL POLYOXIDONIUM POLYOXIDONIUM POLYOXIDONIUM POLUDANE REXOD RIBOMUNIL RIDOSTIN RUZAM STEMOKIN THYMOGEN THYMUS EXTRACT CYCLOFERON CYCLOFERON CYTOVIR-3 EN GISTOL ERBISOL ECHINACEA ECHINACEA COMPOSITUM CH All
Application in the CIS and other countries[ | ]
See also: Commonwealth of Independent States
Until 2012, it was included in the Russian List of Vital and Essential Medicines. Excluded from the list since 2012 at the request of the manufacturer[37][38]. There is an opinion that the exclusion from the list was made to increase the price of the medicine [5]. Also in 2012, anaferon was recommended in 7 orders of the Ministry of Health for use among children and adults for influenza, ARVI, tick-borne viral encephalitis, Lyme disease and Bell's palsy[39]. In Russia, it is purchased by public hospitals; in 2020, 7 tenders were published for the purchase of anaferon for a total amount of 1.2 million rubles. In particular, a tender for the amount of 1 million rubles was posted by the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic[40].
According to Alexander Panchin, a member of the RAS Commission, the sales markets for the drug are Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, and anaferon is not sold in America and Europe[27]. Due to the impossibility of controlling the quality of the drug, it has been prohibited for sale, storage and use on the territory of Ukraine since 2013[41].
Among homeopathic medicines in 2009, anaferon occupied approximately 26.5% of the market[42]. In 2013, the Anaferon brand entered the top 20 in Russia in terms of drug sales with a turnover of 2.2 billion rubles[2]. And according to RNC Pharma, sales volumes of anaferon for children alone in Russia in 2020 amounted to 1.9 billion rubles[43].
pharmachologic effect
A drug that activates antiviral immunity. When used prophylactically and therapeutically, the drug has an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. Experimental and clinical efficacy has been established against influenza viruses (including avian influenza), parainfluenza, herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (labial herpes, genital herpes), other herpes viruses (varicella, infectious mononucleosis), enteroviruses, tick-borne virus encephalitis, rotavirus, coronavirus, calicivirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RS virus). The drug reduces the concentration of the virus in the affected tissues, affects the system of endogenous interferons and associated cytokines, induces the formation of endogenous “early” interferons (IFN α/β) and interferon gamma (IFNγ).
Stimulates the humoral and cellular immune response. Increases the production of antibodies (including secretory IgA), activates the functions of T-effectors, T-helpers (Tx), normalizes their ratio. Increases the functional reserve of Tx and other cells involved in the immune response. It is an inducer of a mixed Tx1 and Th2 type of immune response: it increases the production of Th1 (IFNγ, IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4, 10) cytokines, normalizes (modulates) the balance of Th1/Th2 activities. Increases the functional activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells (NK cells). Has antimutagenic properties.
Declared and actual composition[ | ]
The drug was registered in Russia in 2001 as “homeopathic tablets”[10]. In US patent 8,535,664 B2, registered in 2007, release-active[⇨] drugs, including anaferon, are also presented by the authors as homeopathic[11]. Subsequently, in Russia, the mention of homeopathy disappeared from the registration certificate, from the packaging, and from the instructions [10]. Already in 2009, the concept of homeopathy was absent from the description of the drug[12][13]. In 2020, the Scientific Center for Expertise of Medicinal Products (NCESMP) of the Ministry of Health argued that “as part of the registration procedure, “release-active” drugs are currently considered by the Expert Institution, due to the absence of another term in the legislation, as homeopathic medicinal products - on the basis commonality of their production technologies with the latter”[10].
According to the instructions as of 2020, the active substance is an aqueous-alcoholic solution of antibodies to interferon gamma weighing 0.003 g in a concentration of no more than 10-15 nanograms per gram [7] [14]. In this case, the concentration of the active substance should be less than 10−26 grams per gram of solution [7]. Moreover, the mass of one antibody molecule is significantly greater than the amount of active substance contained in one anaferon tablet according to the manufacturer’s statement.
The molecular weight of class G immunoglobulin is 150 kDa, or one molecule has a mass of about 2.5⋅10−19 grams. The mass of homeopathic antibody dilutions declared by the manufacturer is 3 mg per tablet. Then 3 mg of the active substance contains 3⋅10−3 g × 10−24 = 3⋅10−27 g of antibodies (in the approximation that the active substance is only a C12 dilution). The ratio of the mass of the antibody in the tablet to the mass of one antibody molecule gives 3⋅10−27 ÷ 2.5⋅10−19 ~ 10−8 molecules. Thus, the probability that a given tablet contains at least one molecule of the active substance is negligible (about 10−8)
Modern research methods are not able to confirm or refute the presence of such small quantities of the substance in the drug. Accordingly, the drug Anaferon violates one of the requirements for medicinal products - compliance with the same concentration of the active substance in the drug [15].
...a simple calculation shows that one molecule of this active substance is contained in one hundred million tablets. Probably, Materia Medica produces about the same amount and the same amount is bought in pharmacies by people who care about their health and the health of their children.
— Bulletin “In Defense of Science” No. 9[1]
In fact, anaferon is a tableted mixture of sweetener and ballast substances[16], there is no active ingredient in the drug[3].
ANAFERON: DOSAGE
Inside. For 1 appointment - 1 tablet. (keep in mouth until completely dissolved - not while eating).
ARVI, influenza, intestinal infections, herpesvirus infections, neuroinfections. Treatment should begin as early as possible - when the first signs of an acute viral infection appear according to the following scheme: in the first 2 hours the drug is taken every 30 minutes, then during the first 24 hours 3 more doses are taken at equal intervals. From the second day onwards take 1 tablet. 3 times a day until complete recovery.
If there is no improvement, on the third day of treatment with the drug for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, you should consult a doctor. During the epidemic season, for prophylactic purposes, the drug is taken daily 1 time/day for 1-3 months.
Hepatic herpes. For acute manifestations of genital herpes, the drug is taken at regular intervals according to the following scheme: 1-3 days - 1 tablet. 8 times a day, then 1 tablet. 4 times/day for at least 3 weeks.
To prevent relapses of chronic herpesvirus infection - 1 tablet/day. The recommended duration of the preventive course is determined individually and can reach 6 months.
When using the drug for the treatment and prevention of immunodeficiency conditions, in the complex therapy of bacterial infections, take 1 tablet per day.
If necessary, the drug can be combined with other antiviral and symptomatic agents.
Anaferon tablets: reviews of the drug
Svetlana Parkovaya, Smolensk Last winter I caught a cold and went to the pharmacy to get medicine that relieves flu symptoms. But the pharmacist recommended taking Anaferon tablets and said that if you take it at an early stage, like me, there is a high probability that I will not get sick at all. I didn’t believe it, but I wanted to try. Having drunk it as written in the instructions, the next day I woke up as an absolutely healthy person. The sneezing, lacrimation and runny nose went away, the temperature, although not high, also went away. In general, I am very pleased with the tablets. Thanks to them, I survived the winter without the flu. Dmitry Khafizov, Kurgan As always, with the onset of autumn cold and slush, not everyone can withstand it and begin to suffer from colds. It so happened that 75% of our team got sick. We have a serious problem with sick leave; people try not to go on it. In order not to catch the flu, I decided to use Anaferon tablets for prevention. A miracle happened, I didn’t get sick. This despite the fact that everyone around was sneezing, coughing and had snot. The tablets have an affordable price and are sold in any pharmacy. Nikita Martynov, Belgorod I read that the drug was originally created to treat cancer patients, but without proving its effectiveness there, they decided to use it to treat viruses. I believe that those for whom it really helped either did not have the flu or another virus at all, or the placebo effect worked. Of course, I also tried the pills on myself, but I kept getting sick and getting sick - zero effect. And only after that I decided to find out more about the drug, because the instructions say that it cures almost all viruses, despite the fact that everyone knows that viruses are practically untreatable. Nikolay Ivanov, Krasnodar These pills are a real pacifier. There is very little active substance, and in general the effectiveness has not been proven. People, of course, write positive reviews, either they are paid for it, or the effect of self-hypnosis occurred and recovery came. Our whole family drank, they didn’t help anyone, even as a preventive measure. I still had a cold. The symptoms are like the flu, not even a mild form of the disease, but almost with complications. I think that it’s better to be treated with folk remedies, at least they won’t do any harm. Antonina Belyakova, Norilsk Anaferon was prescribed by a doctor at the hospital during a cold. The symptoms were standard, the disease was just beginning. The first time they helped me not get sick and made it easier to bear. Another time, while taking it according to the regimen, I still got sick. Maybe the viruses were different. There were no side effects, and the price was low compared to other antiviral drugs. Veronika Baltakova, Izhevsk As soon as I feel that my throat is starting to get sore, I immediately buy Anaferon tablets. A proven remedy that will prevent me from getting sick. Sometimes the very next day there is no trace of the cold that has started, sometimes I don’t feel well for a couple of days, but the temperature is just under 40 and there is no severe weakness. My husband and I use it as a couple, even if one of us is sick. Alexandra Smirnova, Nizhnevartovsk For about the last 3 years, I started using antiviral medications for colds or flu. Some people consider them “dummies,” but, in my opinion, these pills have some use. I opted for Anaferon, I see that thanks to these pills I feel much better, sometimes I completely recover before I get sick.
Indications
- prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections (including influenza);
- complex therapy of infections,
- caused by herpes viruses (infectious mononucleosis,
- chicken pox,
- labial herpes,
- genital herpes);
- complex therapy and prevention of relapses of chronic herpes virus infection,
- including labial and genital herpes;
- complex therapy and prevention of other acute and chronic viral infections,
- caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus,
- enterovirus,
- rotavirus,
- coronavirus,
- calicivirus;
- as part of complex therapy of bacterial infections;
- complex therapy of secondary immunodeficiency states of various etiologies,
- including prevention and treatment of complications of viral and bacterial infections.
Analogs
There are Anaferon analogues that have antimutagenic properties and contain the main component that affects the interferon system. Such drugs are prescribed for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections or infectious diseases. Doctors recommend taking the following analogues of Anaferon as a preventive course:
- Ergoferon;
- Aflubin;
- Viferon;
- Arbidol.
Ergoferon has an immunomodulatory effect and has antiviral properties . It contains antibodies to interferon gamma of the human body, which enter viral cells and destroy them. The medicinal product does not affect the control of transport or dangerous mechanisms. It is accepted for:
- prevention of bacterial complications after viral infections;
- for the treatment of acute intestinal infections (coronavirus, adenovirus or rotavirus);
- for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.
As with Anaferon for children, there are certain side effects and contraindications that coincide with the previous drug. The next analogue is Aflubin. It has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxification, analgesic and immunomodulatory properties. It is used to treat infections and relieve flu or cold symptoms. The drug has a side effect - increased salivation. Accepted at any age.
Viferon has an immunomodulatory, antiviral effect. The drug is used to treat colds, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and other diseases. When used, side effects such as skin itching or allergies are possible. The drug improves immunity in the treatment of various diseases caused by viruses and infections. It can be used in childhood.
Arbidol is an antiviral drug that improves the patient's humoral immunity in the treatment of colds, acute respiratory viral infections and influenza . Children under 3 years of age should not take this product. The drug can be used to prevent or treat diseases. No overdoses or side effects were observed, but it affects the ability to drive.
Patient reviews about this drug and its substitutes
According to patient reviews, Anaferon differs from its substitutes not only in its budget cost, but also in the absence of any adverse reactions. True, sometimes you can read in reviews about the ineffectiveness of using Anaferon. It is worth noting that much depends on the individual characteristics of the body. In such situations, it is advisable to find a replacement for this medicine.
But nevertheless, in most reviews, people write that Anaferon is a very effective drug, so many people prefer it.
In cases where “Anaferon” was not suitable or did not help, most often patients turn to its analogues in the form of “Remantadine” and “Kagocel”. It is noted that, despite the higher cost than Anaferon, these analogs are guaranteed to relieve people of the flu and colds.
We reviewed the instructions for use and analogues of Anaferon.
Indications for use of children's Anaferon
The use of Anaferon for children is recommended for preventive purposes, as well as in the treatment of diseases such as ARVI, influenza, viral infections of the upper respiratory tract (tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis), herpes.
Also, the use of Anaferon for children in the treatment is indicated for those patients who need a second course of therapy for immunodeficiency states of various types.
Anaferon for children contraindications
The use of the drug is contraindicated for infants in the first month of life and for those who have a high degree of sensitivity to its components.
Literature[ | ]
- Khromov-Borisov N. N.
Statistical analysis of RCT of the liquid dosage form of anaferon for children: [rus.]: [arch. September 11, 2019] // Health is the basis of human potential: problems and ways to solve them. - St. Petersburg, 2020. - T. 13, issue. 1 (November). - pp. 395-400. — ISSN 2076-4618. - Memorandum No. 2. On the pseudoscience of homeopathy: Appendix No. 1. Answers to frequently asked questions about homeopathy and arguments in its favor: [arch. October 7, 2019] / RAS Commission on Combating Pseudoscience and Falsification of Scientific Research. — Russian Academy of Sciences, 2017.
Documents[ | ]
- Prokofiev, O. A.
Instructions for the medical use of the drug Anaferon: R No. 003362/01-061109 / Materia Medica Holding LLC. - Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 2009. - November 6. — 4 s.
"Arbidol" and "Anaferon" - which is better?
Experts believe that it is not entirely advisable to compare Arbidol and Anaferon with each other, since the fundamentally different composition of these drugs functions in its own way. For example, “Anaferon” activates endogenous interferon, and “Arbidol”, in turn, has a direct antiviral effect, affecting the hemagglutinin protein.
"Anaferon" is more of a prophylactic agent, and its analog has a more active effect on the introduced virus during the period of illness. "Arbidol" is allowed for use only from the age of three, and "Anaferon" can be used from the second month of life. In addition, the children's form of Anaferon can be used in pregnant women. As for Arbidol, it is not advisable during this period.
Let's consider reviews about Anaferon analogues.
