Thymalin

Thymalin is a polypeptide preparation derived from thymus (thymus gland). It has an immunomodulatory effect, improves the functional state of the immune system and contributes to the normalization of immunogenesis. Thymalin is used in complex therapy for the treatment and prevention of various diseases associated with immune system disorders, as well as to restore immunity after serious illness, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Thymalin has been shown to be effective in the following areas:

• Reducing cholesterol levels and preventing atherosclerosis in rabbits on a high cholesterol diet while restoring the functional activity of lymphocytes impaired in hyperlipidemia (Ryzhenkov et al., 1988).
• Improve the clinical course of trauma and normalize immune parameters in trauma patients, contributing to the prevention and treatment of infectious complications (G. KIa et al., 1984).
• Normalization of the spectrum of LDH-isoenzymes and cyclase system in patients' lymphocytes, as well as promoting the expression of differentiated antigens on the surface of T-lymphocytes, thus restoring the functional activity of T-lymphocytes, which correlates with the improvement of patients' clinical condition (Khavinson et al., 1990).

Thymalin is usually used in the form of injections, and its use should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. The drug is used to improve immune response in various diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, as well as to normalize regenerative processes and improve immunosuppression.

Indications Timalina

Timalin is used as an immunomodulatory agent in the complex therapy of various diseases and conditions associated with impaired immune system function. Indications for the use of Timalin include:

1. Chronic and acute infectious diseases, including viral and bacterial infections, in which there is a decreased immune response.
2. Immunodeficiency states of various origins, including those that arise after diseases, surgical interventions, as well as as a result of taking immunosuppressive drugs.
3. Recovery after surgery and trauma to accelerate healing processes and prevent infectious complications.
4. Oncology to correct immune disorders resulting from tumor growth or chemotherapy.
5. Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic connective tissue diseases, to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammatory activity.
6. Autoimmune diseases to normalize immune system function and reduce autoimmune aggression.
7. Prevention and treatment of complications after chemotherapy and radiotherapy aimed at maintaining and restoring immunity.
8. Diseases accompanied by disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes mellitus, to correct immune disorders.

Release form

Thymalin is most commonly available as a lyophilized powder for the preparation of a solution intended for intramuscular administration.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of thymalin is related to its ability to modulate the immune system. Thymalin is a polypeptide derived from the thymus (thymus gland) and it exerts a number of important effects on various components of the immune system:

1. Stimulation of cellular immunity: Thymalin promotes differentiation of T-lymphocyte precursors into mature T cells in the thymus, which increases their number and functional activity. This improves the body's ability to resist infectious agents and tumor cells.
2. Regulation of the balance of T-helper and T-suppressors: Thymalin normalizes the ratio of T-helper (CD4+) and T-suppressors (CD8+), which is important for maintaining an adequate immune response and preventing autoimmune reactions.
3. Restoration of immune response: Thymalin can restore the immune response in patients with immunodeficiencies of various etiologies, improving the general condition and reducing the frequency and severity of infectious diseases.
4. Effects on humoral immunity: Although the main effect of Timalin is aimed at cellular immunity, there is also a positive effect on humoral immunity, including stimulation of production of certain classes of immunoglobulins.
5. Anti-inflammatory action: Thymalin has a modulating effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines, which may lead to a reduction in inflammation in various pathological conditions.
6. Improvement of regenerative processes: Through stimulation of the immune system, Timalin helps to improve the repair and regeneration of tissues after injuries or surgical interventions.

Dosing and administration

A study conducted by Dovnar T.E., Mikhailova N., and Havinson V. Shows that thymalin can be effective in correcting reduced characteristics of cellular immunity in patients with nonspecific lung diseases. In the study, thymalin was used in relatively low doses (5 ml, 4-6 injections per course of treatment), which proved to be effective in correcting the reduced characteristics of cellular immunity, contributing to the normalization of the number of lymphocytes and the ratio of OKT-4+ and OKT-8+ subpopulations.

In another study assessing the effectiveness of thymalin in the complex treatment of patients with destructive pulmonary tuberculosis, it was determined that differentiated use of thymalin in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs significantly reduces the time of hospital stay and increases the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, a more pronounced normalizing effect of the proposed variant of therapy on the recovery of the links of the immune system was noted.

These data emphasize the importance of individualizing the dosage and methods of administration of thymalin depending on the specific disease and condition of the patient. However, the general recommendation for use includes administration in the form of injections, with dosage and frequency of administration tailored to the patient's specific needs and treatment goals. It is always important to follow the recommendations and directions of a healthcare professional when using Thymalin.

Use Timalina during pregnancy

The use of thymalin during pregnancy should be considered with special caution. There is insufficient data on the safety of thymalin use in pregnant women, therefore its use is possible only in cases when the expected benefit to the mother exceeds the potential risk to the fetus. The decision to prescribe thymalin to a pregnant woman should be made by the attending physician taking into account all risks and peculiarities of the woman's health condition.

Clinical practice often adheres to the principle of maximum caution when prescribing any medication during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, when the main organs and systems of the fetus are being laid down and formed. If there is a need to use thymalin during pregnancy, the pros and cons should be carefully weighed and alternative therapies should be considered.

It should also be taken into account that during pregnancy there are natural changes in a woman's immune system aimed at preserving the pregnancy. Any intervention in the immune system, including the use of immunomodulators, should be carried out under strict medical supervision.

In case of extreme necessity of using Thymalin during pregnancy, it is recommended to conduct additional monitoring of maternal health and fetal development in order to timely detect any abnormalities and take appropriate measures.

Contraindications

• Individual intolerance or allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
• Autoimmune diseases in which stimulation of the immune system can worsen the course of the disease.
• Cancers, especially those involving the lymphatic system, where altered immune activity may influence disease progression.
• Pregnancy and lactation period, unless safety of use has been proven.

Side effects Timalina

Thymalin is usually well tolerated by patients, but like any other medicine, it may cause side effects. In most cases, they are rare and mild to moderate in nature. Side effects of Thymalin may include:

1. Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, urticaria, in rare cases angioedema. These reactions occur as a response of the immune system to the introduction of the polypeptide complex.
2. Local reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. These reactions usually resolve quickly and do not require special treatment.
3. General reactions: Increased body temperature, chills, general malaise. These symptoms also often disappear quickly and are a sign of immune system activation.

It is important to note that side effects of Thymalin are quite rare and in most cases are well controlled or spontaneously disappear. If severe or prolonged side effects occur, it is necessary to consult a physician for correction of therapy or selection of an alternative method of treatment.

Overdose

Specific information on thymalin overdose cases is limited, mainly due to its natural origin and use under strictly controlled medical conditions. Thymalin is usually administered under medical supervision, which reduces the risk of overdose.

In the case of an overdose, the side effects associated with the drug could theoretically increase, such as:

• Increased allergic reactions.
• Increased local reactions at the injection site, including soreness, redness, or swelling.
• General reactions from the body, such as increased body temperature or chills.

What to do in case of an overdose:

1. Discontinue administration: If an overdose is suspected, further administration of Thymalin should be stopped immediately.
2. Symptomatic treatment: There is no specific antidote for thymalin, so treatment will be aimed at eliminating symptoms and maintaining normal body functions.
3. Medical care: Seek medical care to get skilled treatment and follow-up care.

Interactions with other drugs

Information on interaction of thymalin with other drugs was not found in the presented studies.

Storage conditions

Storage conditions of Thymalin should comply with the general requirements for storage of medicinal products and specific instructions of the manufacturer, which are usually indicated on the package. It is important to observe the following conditions:

1. Storage temperature: Thymalin should usually be stored at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, i.e. In the refrigerator. However, the exact requirements may vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the drug.
2. Protection from light: The drug should be stored in its original packaging to protect it from light, as some components may be photosensitive.
3. Protection from moisture: The preparation should be stored in a dry place, away from sources of moisture.
4. Children's accessibility: Keep the drug out of the reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion or misuse.

Shelf life

Do not use the drug after expiration date indicated on the package. Expired drug should be disposed of in an appropriate manner.