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Imunovir
Imunovir, inosine pranobex, isoprinosine or inosine acedoben dimepranol is an immunostimulant and antiviral drug.[1] It may also have neurorestorative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.[2][3] Imunovir is also known as inosiplex, metisoprinol, inosin pranobex, and brand names include Catacol, Inotin, Lumiclar and Rejuvesol.[3]
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.[4] It is sometimes used off-label by patients with ME/CFS.[5]
Theory
Evidence
Claims that inosine enhances exercise and athletic performance in healthy people are not supported by the science.[3]
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.[6][7]
A survey of patients by the ME Association found that 25% who had tried inosine pranobex found it helpful.[8]
Clinicians
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[1][9]
Rare side effects include diarrhoea, constipation, increased urine production, nervousness, drowsiness or insomnia.[1]
Costs and availability
See also
Learn more
- Imunovir 500mg - patient information leaflet
- Inosine - DrugBank Online
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Imunovir 500mg Tablets {{{!}}} Summary of Product Characteristics". Electronic Medicines Compendium. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ↑ "Inosine Pranobex". Drugs.com. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Inosine". DrugBank Online. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ↑ "Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Information Page". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
- ↑ Smith, M.E. Beth; Haney, Elizabeth; McDonagh, Marian; Pappas, Miranda; Daeges, Monica; Wasson, Ngoc; Fu, Rongwei; Nelson, HeidiD. (June 16, 2015). "Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review for a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop". Annals of Internal Medicine. 162 (12): 841–850. doi:10.7326/M15-0114. ISSN 0003-4819.
- ↑ Diaz-Mitoma, Francisco; Turgonyi, Eva; Kumar, Ashok; Lim, Wilfred; Larocque, Louise; Hyde, Byron M. (January 1, 2003). "Clinical Improvement in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Associated with Enhanced Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity: The Results of a Pilot Study with Isoprinosine®". Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 11 (2): 71–95. doi:10.1300/J092v11n02_06. ISSN 1057-3321.
- ↑ Patarca-Montero, Roberto (2014). Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the Antiviral Revolution Era: What Does the Research Say?. Routledge. pp. 41–42. ISBN 9781135416294.
- ↑ Kindlon, Tom (September 20, 2008). "Adverse Reactions to Graded Exercise Therapy". ME/CFS South Australia Inc.
- ↑ "IMUNOVIR 500MG TABLETS". Drugs.com. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
