interferon gamma-1b

(in ter FEAR on GAM mah 1b)
Actimmune

What is the most important information I should know about interferon gamma-1b?

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Interferon gamma-1b is used by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection only. Your doctor or nurse will give you detailed instructions on how and where to inject this medication. Do not inject this medication if you are unsure how.

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The Actimmune formulation of interferon gamma-1b does not contain a preservative. Each vial of medication should be used for one dose only. Throw away any unused medication after using one dose from the vial.

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Flulike symptoms are likely to occur. They are most common at the start of therapy and may decrease with continued use. Using interferon gamma-1b at bedtime may minimize these symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may also help to alleviate these symptoms.

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Do not shake the vial of interferon gamma-1b.

What is interferon gamma-1b?

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Interferon gamma-1b is a protein. Interferons are released in the body in response to viral infections. Interferons are important for fighting viruses in the body, for regulating the reproduction of cells, and for regulating the immune system.

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Interferon gamma-1b is a specific interferon used to decrease the frequency and severity of infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease. Interferon gamma-1b is also used to treat the congenital disorder osteopetrosis.

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Interferon gamma-1b may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using interferon gamma-1B?

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Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

epilepsy or another seizure disorder,

congestive heart failure,

heart disease,

irregular heartbeats, or

bone marrow suppression.

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You may not be able to use interferon gamma-1b, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Interferon gamma-1b is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Interferon gamma-1b may cause spontaneous abortion.Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.

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It is also not known whether interferon gamma-1b passes into breast milk. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I use interferon gamma-1b?

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Use interferon gamma-1b exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

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Interferon gamma-1b is usually used three times a week and injected into the upper part of the arms or into the front part of the thighs. Follow your doctor's instructions.

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Do not shake the vial of interferon gamma-1b.

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Do not use any medication that is discolored or that has particles in it.

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Do not stop using this medication without first talking to your doctor.

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Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

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Store interferon gamma-1b in the refrigerator away from moisture and heat. At temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and away from direct sunlight, interferon gamma-1b is good for 12 hours. Throw away any medication that has been at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Throw away any unused medication after using one dose from the vial.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not inject a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of an interferon gamma-1b overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using interferon gamma-1b?

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There are no specific restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with interferon gamma-1b. Follow any special instructions given by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of interferon gamma-1b?

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Stop using interferon gamma-1b and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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fever or chills;

headache;

fatigue;

muscle aches;

nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite;

dizziness or drowsiness;

diarrhea;

rash;

depression; or

redness, pain, swelling, or discoloration at the injection site.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect interferon gamma-1b?

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It is not known if other drugs interact with interferon gamma-1b. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about interferon gamma-1b written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with other, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.