Interferon Gamma-1b



ActimmuneŽ







Interferon Gamma-1b

(in ter FEER on GAM ah won bee)

U.S. Brand Names
ActimmuneŽ
Canadian Brand Names
ActimmuneŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Interferon
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to interferon gamma-1b, E. coli derived proteins, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to fight infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease.
  • This medicine is used to slow the progress of osteopetrosis.
How does it work?
  • Interferon gamma-1b helps the body's immune system fight infections.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Take this medicine at bedtime to help with flu-like symptoms.
  • Move site where you give the shot with each shot.
  • Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Do not shake the solution.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose, brand, or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have bleeding problems, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider. The flu-like side effects of interferon may be stressful to heart patients.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Belly pain.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Depression.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Not hungry.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • If you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Do not shake.
  • Throw away any unused portion of opened vial after injection.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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