Drug Notes

Interferon Gamma-1b (By injection)

Interferon Gamma-1b (in-ter-FEER-on GAM-ma-1b)

Treats infections related to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Also slows the progression of severe malignant osteopetrosis (SMO).

Brand Name(s):

Actimmune

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You might have fewer side effects if you use the medicine just before bedtime. Ask your doctor if you can take acetaminophen to prevent or relieve side effects.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Do not shake the vial. Each vial is for single use only. Throw away the vial and any medicine left in it after use.
• The medicine should look clear. Do not use it if it is not clear.
• Do not mix this medicine with other medicines in the same syringe.
• Missed dose: Use your medicine as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose. Never use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use any vial that has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 12 hours. Throw it away.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Several other medicines may interact with interferon. Tell you doctor about all other medicines you use.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, heart disease, or seizures or other problems with the nervous system. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex
• This medicine may cause dizziness, confusion, or clumsiness. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. These side effects could be worse if you also drink alcohol.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, difficult or painful urination
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Dizziness, confusion, trouble walking
• Severe fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Mild fever, chills, tiredness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Redness, swelling, or pain where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017