Imunovir

Imunovir, inosine pranobex, isoprinosine or inosine acedoben dimepranol is an immunostimulant and antiviral drug. It may also have neurorestorative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Imunovir is also known as inosiplex, metisoprinol, inosin pranobex, and brand names include Catacol, Inotin, Lumiclar and Rejuvesol.

Imunovir is licensed for use for herpes simplex virus (HSV), genital warts (in addition to other treatment) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a progressive neurological disease caused by the measles virus. It is sometimes used off-label by patients with ME/CFS.

Evidence
Claims that inosine enhances exercise and athletic performance in healthy people are not supported by the science.

In a pilot study of sixteen chronic fatigue syndrome patients inosine increased natural killer cell activity and resulted in a clinical improvement in 60% of patients.

A survey of patients by the ME Association found that 25% who had tried inosine pranobex found it helpful.

Risks and safety
Side effects include:
 * increased uric acid levels in the blood and urine, which is common and can cause gout or kidney stones
 * nausea with or without vomiting, or epigastric discomfort
 * pruritus (severe itching) and skin rashes
 * headaches
 * vertigo
 * fatigue and malaise (feeling ill)
 * joint pain
 * increased liver enzymes and instead blood urea nitrogen, increased transaminases, increased alkaline phosphate
 * hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis

Rare side effects include diarrhoea, constipation, increased urine production, nervousness, drowsiness or insomnia.

Learn more

 * Imunovir 500mg - patient information leaflet
 * Inosine - DrugBank Online