Interferon during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters - indications for use

A decrease in immunity during pregnancy is necessary to preserve the embryo, but it provokes a more frequent occurrence of colds and viral diseases in the mother. This duality of the condition is quite painful for pregnant women: on the one hand, they try with all their might to ensure the full development of the fetus, on the other hand, they themselves often suffer from colds, flu, herpes, or even the whole “bouquet” at once.

And the main problem for a pregnant woman is not so much the presence of the virus as such in the body, but how to expel it, that is, treatment. During the period of gestation, many drugs familiar to a woman become taboo: their components become potentially unsafe for the life and development of the fetus, so you have to look for an alternative in herbal pharmacies (but this is not an option - other plants have a composition that can have an even more detrimental effect on the intrauterine development of the baby).

Alpha interferon and pregnancy

Once again, informing you, dear women, about the peculiarities of using medications during pregnancy, we want to emphasize that self-treatment is unacceptable, even though you are a hundred times confident in the effectiveness and safety of the drug before pregnancy - your condition has changed, and now not so much yours, how much the fetus’s body dictates the advisability of using a particular medicine.

And since Interferon is one of the most frequently used remedies for colds, we cannot help but notice that during pregnancy you should refrain from taking it.

You should at least be stopped by the fact that during laboratory studies miscarriages occurred in pregnant monkeys after an overdose of Interferon.

The main component of Interferon Alpha promotes the formation of special killer proteins inside infected cells, which effectively block the synthesis of the virus protein, but at the same time suppress the development of cells. And during pregnancy, such an effect is fraught with consequences for the fetus - inhibition of cell development is equal to inhibition of organ development.

During the period of intrauterine development and the newborn period, the fetus produces a completely different type of interferon - it is unusual for it to perform an antiproliferative function. The collision of these two types of interferon can lead to the most undesirable consequences, including self-abortion. Therefore, the use of Interferon Alpha in the early stages of pregnancy is strictly prohibited.

Regular Interferon is prescribed starting from the 28th week - that is, already at a fairly late stage, but there is a form of the drug that is approved for use from the 14th week of pregnancy - this is Viferon, which contains the same interferon-alpha, but with antioxidants, vitamins C and E, which significantly reduce risks and side effects.

Taking the drug by trimester

Let's look at the features of taking the drug by trimester.

During the first trimester, Interferon is not prescribed at all. This can cause spontaneous abortion.

Read: Effective tablets for treating thrush in women

During the second trimester, it is possible to prescribe Viferon - this is a lighter analogue of the drug, which can be taken from the 14th week.

Starting from the third trimester, taking Interferon is allowed, but the dosage should be half that of a normal adult.

If an urgent need arises, you can take the drug during the period of 36-40 weeks, then the dosage is taken as an adult.

If there is a need to take Interferon during pregnancy, you can do this after consulting a doctor and after the second half of the child’s gestation period.

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17 Aug 2020 Yuki 293

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Composition of the drug, what forms are prescribed for pregnant women

Pure interferon is a natural leukocyte protein taken from donor blood and slightly genetically modified. It is the active ingredient of the drug.

When it enters the body, namely a cell, it changes its membrane, affects the RNA of the virus and prevents its development.

Pregnant women are prescribed Interferon only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus, but in any case they refrain from prescribing an injection solution - the drug in the form of suppositories and ointments is much safer for the expectant mother and baby. Interferon suppositories, gel and ointment are under no circumstances prescribed in the first trimester due to the potential risk for fetal development.

After administration of rectal suppositories, the active substance is absorbed through the mucous membrane, enters the blood and lymphatic system. Some of it is concentrated in the mucous membrane, providing an effective local effect.

What is interferon

The main component of the pharmaceutical drug is human leukocyte interferon. They extract natural leukocyte protein from components of donor blood and partially change its structure thanks to genetic engineering.

When penetrating into the body, namely inside the cell, the leukocyte protein changes the membranes of pathogenic microorganisms, affects the RNA of the virus itself, and it is due to this that its reproduction and spread are inhibited.

Interferon activates the activity of macrophages, thus having an immunostimulating effect.

Thanks to its special properties, the drug exhibits a wide spectrum of action; at the same time, it is absolutely sterile; its use is safe and non-toxic in the case of intranasal use and during inhalation procedures.

Indications for use

Interferon suppositories are prescribed to pregnant women for viral and bacterial diseases:

• pneumonia;
• pyelonephritis;
• viral hepatitis;
• herpes;
• mycoplasmosis;
• candidiasis;
• trichomoniasis and others.

Interferon ointment and gel are prescribed for:

• herpes in all its manifestations.

Interferon nasal drops are prescribed for:

• flu;
• acute respiratory infections;
• ARVI.

Interferon eye drops are prescribed for:

• eye diseases caused by the same herpes virus.

Should pregnant women use it?

The issue of using drugs containing interferon is very often raised by doctors today. But no consensus has yet been reached regarding its effectiveness.

After the virus has entered the cells of the body, the process of independent production of interferon begins. When taking immunostimulant drugs, the immune system is activated to successfully fight the disease.

But there is an opinion that such “help” to the body affects the immune system, namely, its full functioning is suppressed. That is why the use of interferon during pregnancy should be used only in exceptional cases when the body is not able to cope with the infection on its own.

According to laboratory studies, the leukocyte protein contained in the solution and suppositories does not affect the course of a cold, and therefore a speedy recovery does not occur.

In addition, immunostimulating agents negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, which becomes quite sensitive during pregnancy. Throughout the entire period of bearing a baby, there is a decrease in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, so hypothyroidism is often detected in pregnant women. During treatment with drugs containing interferon, the situation may worsen (especially when using suppositories).

Possible side effects

The use of ointments, gels and suppositories Interferon does not have any side effects - this is the opinion of non-professionals. Indeed, these forms of drug release are the safest for pregnant women, however, to claim that they do not cause side effects is erroneous, since the pregnant body is unpredictable.

Side effects are possible and are expressed in violations of many organs and systems:

• headaches, dizziness, irritability, weakness (nervous system);
• nausea, vomiting, intestinal upset, loss of appetite, dryness, unpleasant taste in the mouth (digestive system);
• disturbance of heart rhythm, active heartbeat, increase (decrease) in blood pressure (circulatory organs);
• impaired renal function (genitourinary system).

Use during pregnancy

Although the drug is considered safe, it is recommended to refrain from using it. This is due to the specific effect of the main active ingredient of the pharmaceutical drug. It triggers the process of formation of killer proteins inside infected cells; they stop the synthesis of proteins of pathogenic microorganisms, but at the same time suppression of the development of healthy cells is observed.

During pregnancy, such an action can cause serious consequences for the baby in the womb, namely the underdevelopment of some organs.

It should be noted that the embryo produces a completely different type of interferon, which does not interfere with the process of cell division. When two different types of interferons interact, it is possible that serious consequences, even fetal death, may occur.

The use of any drug must be agreed with a gynecologist.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, interferon is not prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases, as the drug can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus. In some cases, treatment with this drug is possible when the expected benefit to the mother significantly outweighs the potential risks to the baby in the womb.

From the 13th week of pregnancy (2nd trimester), interferon is recommended to be used in the form of suppositories; treatment with Viferon is most preferable, but strictly after consultation with a doctor.

From the 3rd trimester, various dosage forms of the drug (nasal drops, suppositories, gels) can be prescribed; it is recommended to adhere to the regimen prescribed by the doctor and the recommended dosages.

Alternative to interferon

More and more experts are against the use of immunostimulants for the treatment of pregnant women. Instead, you can increase your immune defense in other ways:

• Taking vitamin-mineral complexes
• Balanced diet
• Hardening
• Maintaining a daily routine.

Large-scale changes occur in a pregnant woman’s body, which is why it is so difficult to imagine how exactly it will perceive the intake of synthetic interferon.

It must be remembered that the drug is a specific stimulator for immune cells; it is not able to cure acute respiratory infections, flu or colds.

If your doctor has prescribed you to take this drug, you should adhere to a specific treatment regimen and carefully monitor your own body’s reaction. If side symptoms occur, it is better to immediately seek advice from a specialist.

How to treat a cold in pregnant women?

During pregnancy, a woman should pay attention to the prevention of ARVI. If you have contracted a viral infection, you should follow these recommendations:

1. It is strictly forbidden to take antibiotics on your own; moreover, antibacterial agents have absolutely no effect on viruses.
2. Do not use antipyretics if the body temperature does not rise above 38ºC.
3. Avoid physical activity, especially in the first days of illness.
4. Drink plenty of warm drink in the form of tea with lemon, raspberry or honey. However, you need to monitor the amount of fluid to avoid swelling, and the amount of sugar consumed.
5. Eat easily digestible foods and limit your intake of heavy fatty foods (preferably soups, vegetables and fruits).
6. During this period, it is advisable to avoid contact with other members of your family and stay separately in a well-ventilated room.
7. At elevated temperatures, cold compresses and rubdowns are allowed. Do not use alcohol for wiping.
8. For sore throat, gargle with soda or salt solutions, herbs and inhalation.

Doctors advise turning to them for advice and help in any course of the disease, however, visiting a clinic, especially during periods of epidemics, increases the risk of deterioration in well-being.

By following the instructions, you can relieve the signs of the disease yourself. If there is no improvement within three to four days, or the condition worsens, you should call a doctor.

A doctor must be called in the following cases:

• deterioration after recovery or a new wave of fever;
• increased symptoms of the disease, the appearance of cough, purulent sputum;
• lack of effect from taking an antipyretic drug when the temperature is above 39ºC;
• general serious condition: loss of consciousness, the appearance of convulsions, difficulty breathing or the appearance of shortness of breath, vomiting in combination with headache (medicines for pregnant women for headaches are described here), swelling, rash on the body.

Contraindications

Interferon suppositories are prescribed to pregnant women for viral and bacterial diseases:

• pneumonia;
• pyelonephritis;
• viral hepatitis;
• herpes;
• mycoplasmosis;
• candidiasis;
• trichomoniasis and others.

Interferon ointment and gel are prescribed for:

• herpes in all its manifestations.

Interferon eye drops are prescribed for:

• eye diseases caused by the same herpes virus.

Pregnant patients may have a number of contraindications to the drug, namely:

• increased sensitivity and individual intolerance to components;
• severe diseases of the main internal organs or circulatory system;
• problems with the thyroid gland;
• autoimmune diseases, allergies (during exacerbation).

Suppositories with interferon during pregnancy are prescribed for:

• pneumonia;
• pyelonephritis;
• viral hepatitis;
• herpes;
• mycoplasmosis;
• candidiasis;
• trichomoniasis;
• other viral and bacterial diseases.

The drug in the form of ointment and gel:

• used for various forms of herpes.

It is also permissible to use the following forms of Interferon in drops:

• Ophthalmic (for herpetic eye diseases);
• Nasal drops (for acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and influenza).

The most common contraindications to taking Interferon during pregnancy include:

• diseases of the circulatory system, as well as major internal organs;
• thyroid diseases;
• increased sensitivity and individual intolerance to components;
• exacerbation of chronic autoimmune diseases;
• allergic reactions.

Pregnant women often experience a number of side effects caused by the drug.

Among them, hypersensitivity to some components of the drug is common. Manifestations of individual intolerance are possible.

Severe diseases of the internal organs that perform the main functions of the body or the circulatory system appear.

There are problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Autoimmune diseases and acute allergic manifestations are also possible.

Many consumers think that ointments, gels and suppositories do not have any effect on the body. However, the following symptoms may occur as a result of taking the drug:

• Headaches, dizziness, weakness and even fainting
• On the part of digestion - vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, complete inability to perceive food
• Disorders of the heart in the form of tachycardia
• Disorders of the kidneys and genitourinary system in general

We invite you to read: What happens in the first days of conception?

Instructions for use of Viferon gel, ointment and suppositories during pregnancy

Scheme for using the drug VIFERON Gel

How to use

Interferon is produced in the form of ointments, suppositories and lyophilisate, which is diluted with saline or distilled water before use. The ampoule must be opened immediately before use, water or saline solution is poured to the mark, 2 ml of medicinal solution is obtained. Then you will need to shake the ampoule so that its contents are completely dissolved and acquire a pinkish tint.

For preventive purposes, interferon solution should be instilled into the nasal passages, 5 drops. twice a day with an interval of 6 hours between procedures. Inhalations should be carried out at the same time interval. Treatment should be carried out for 5-6 days.

When initial symptoms characteristic of the development of acute respiratory infections appear, the medicinal solution will need to be instilled in a dosage of 5 drops. into the nasal passages every two hours, but not less than 5 r. within 24 hours. Treatment therapy lasts approximately 2-3 days.

Interferon is also used to treat infectious eye diseases; 2 drops of the medicine are needed.

The prepared solution can be stored for 24 hours after preparation in a cool place.

Suppositories should be used according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor; it is usually recommended to use 2 suppositories per day (morning and evening) for 10 days.

Side effects for the expectant mother and potential harm to the baby

In 99% of situations, the use of Viferon causes absolutely no side effects. In rare cases, local allergic reactions with the following symptoms may develop:

• rhinorrhea;
• paroxysmal sneezing;
• itching, burning and discomfort at the site of contact;
• maculopapular rash.

Quite rarely, anaphylaxis occurs, which develops exclusively as a result of the auxiliary components of the drug. The appearance of this condition is due to absorption of the drug and entry into the systemic bloodstream. Anaphylactic shock and angioedema angioedema occur. A total of 3 cases of anaphylactic reactions when using the drug have been described in the world.

There is a risk for the fetus only in the first 14 obstetric weeks of use. This is due to the increased reactivity of the mother's immune system towards the fetus.