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B-immunoferon 1a
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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B-immunoferon 1a refers to pharmacological preparations, the main active substance of which are endogenous low-molecular glycoproteins - interferons. Interferons regulate tissue homeostasis, that is, metabolism and the course of many enzymatic processes, and also participate in the non-specific immune defense of the body.
Indications B-immunoferon 1a
The drug B-immunoferon 1a is used in the clinical therapy of the most common type of multiple sclerosis - relapsing-remitting, which is characterized by a wave-like course with periods of exacerbations alternating with periods of remission. This drug is indicated for patients who have had at least two exacerbations of diagnosed multiple sclerosis over the previous three years, but there are no signs of continuous progression between relapses of the disease.
Release form
The release form of the drug B-immunoferon 1a is a solution for injections of 12,000,000 IU in vials.
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Pharmacodynamics
Recombinant interferon beta-1a is produced by a biosynthetic method using recombinant DNA technology using CHO cells obtained from the ovaries of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). B-immunoferon 1a, having an amino acid sequence identical to natural human beta-interferon, has immunomodulatory, antiviral and antiproliferative (suppressing the proliferation of cellular elements) properties.
The mechanism of action of B-immunoferon 1a in multiple sclerosis has not been fully elucidated, but there is evidence that this drug is capable of limiting damage to the central nervous system, which underlie this disease. Apparently, this occurs under the influence of endogenous low-molecular glycoproteins on the extracellular matrix (a supramolecular structure filling the intercellular space of tissues), which plays an important role in the regulation of tissue homeostasis.
Pharmacokinetics
The maximum concentration of the drug (about 6-10 IU/ml) is achieved approximately three hours after the administration of a single dose of 60 mcg. Moderate accumulation of the biologically active substance of this drug and an increase in its total concentration in the blood plasma (AUC) by 2.5 times is noted after four subcutaneous injections (at the same dose) with an interval of 48 hours between them.
Within 24 hours after a single injection of B-immunoferon 1a, the level of beta-2 microglobulin and neopterin (an intermediate substance in the synthesis of biopterin, which is involved in the activation of lymphocytes) increases in the blood serum. Intracellular and serum activity of 2-5-oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase), which in turn converts endogenous RNA from an inactive form to an active one, also increases.
Over the course of two days, the above-described effects gradually decrease. Metabolites of B-immunoferon 1a are excreted from the body with urine and bile.
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Dosing and administration
The drug B-immunoferon 1a is administered subcutaneously at a dose of 12 million IU - 3 times a week. If the treatment is poorly tolerated, the dose of the drug can be reduced to 6 million IU. Injections of the drug are made at the same time and day of the week.
The total duration of the course has not yet been established, so the duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician depending on the individual characteristics of the course of the disease, as well as on the basis of data on the effectiveness of the treatment. The patient's condition should be assessed at least once every two years - for four years from the beginning of the use of B-immunoferon 1a for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Use B-immunoferon 1a during pregnancy
The use of B-immunoferon 1a during pregnancy is included in the list of contraindications for this drug, therefore it is not used during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
Contraindications for the use of B-immunoferon 1a include: epilepsy; severe depressive states (with suicidal attempts); kidney and liver diseases in the decompensation stage; a history of increased individual sensitivity to natural or recombinant beta-interferon (or human albumin); the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding.
Since there is no experience of using B-immunoferon 1a in the treatment of multiple sclerosis in patients under 18 years of age, this drug should not be prescribed to patients in this age category.
Side effects B-immunoferon 1a
At the injection site of this drug, reactions such as redness, soreness, swelling or blanching of the skin may be observed. Tissue necrosis at the injection site of B-immunoferon 1a is extremely rare.
Common side effects of B-immunoferon 1a include flu-like syndromes - headache, dizziness, fever, chills, general weakness, muscle and joint pain, nausea. Side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting may also be observed; decreased appetite up to its complete absence (anorexia); heart rhythm disturbances; insomnia and anxiety; depression and self-perception disorder (depersonalization), seizures. And from the blood side, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia are possible.
Taking B-immunoferon 1a may cause abortion, and careful contraception is required during treatment with this drug. In addition, some negative effects of B-immunoferon 1a on the central nervous system may affect the ability to drive vehicles.
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Overdose
There are no descriptions of cases of overdose of this drug.
Interactions with other drugs
The simultaneous use of B-immunoferon 1a with antidepressants and drugs for the treatment of epilepsy requires increased caution. The interaction of B-immunoferon 1a with glucocorticoid drugs and adrenocorticotropic hormones (cortyrotropin, senacthen depot, etc.) has not been studied, but, according to clinical studies, these drugs can be used during a relapse of multiple sclerosis along with B-immunoferon 1a.
But B-immunoferon 1a is absolutely incompatible with myelosuppressive drugs, that is, medications, the use of which is accompanied by a decrease in the level of leukocytes and platelets in the blood.
Shelf life
The shelf life of the drug is 2 years.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "B-immunoferon 1a" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.