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trade name: Actimmune; drug class: biologic response modifier; action: species-specific protein synthesized in response to viruses, enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, enhances natural killer cell activity; uses: serious infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease.

Brand names: Actimmune®

Español:
• Inyección de interferón gamma-1b

Interferon Gamma-1b injection

What is interferon gamma-1b injection?

INTERFERON Gamma-1b (Actimmune®) is a man-made drug that acts like a substance in your body called interferon gamma. Interferon gamma helps your immune system work better. In patients with chronic granulomatous disease, interferon gamma helps to fight infections. In children with osteopetrosis, interferon gamma helps to slow the progression of the disease. Interferon gamma is also being studied in the treatment of other infections and diseases. Generic interferon gamma-1b injections are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• blood disorders
• heart disease, especially heart failure or an irregular heart beat
• seizure disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to interferon, proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Interferon gamma-1b is for injection under the skin. A health-care professional can give it, or you may be able to give yourself the injections. Before you try to use this injection, carefully read the instructions provided. Make sure you understand how to prepare, inject, and store interferon gamma-1b. Before preparing an injection always wash your hands well with soap and water. Do not shake the solution before measuring or injecting a dose. Do not use more than the prescribed dose. Using larger or more frequent doses increases the risk of getting serious side effects.

If you will be giving interferon gamma-1b at home, make sure you receive a puncture resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles. Do not reuse needles or syringes.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. Reschedule your next dose about 48 hours later. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you have questions about adjusting your schedule.

What drug(s) may interact with interferon gamma-1b?

• antithymocyte globulin (ATG)
• medicines used to treat cancer
• strontium-89 chloride
• theophylline

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking interferon gamma-1b?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Females of child-bearing age should use a reliable method of birth control. If you do get pregnant, stop using interferon gamma-1b at once and contact your prescriber or health care professional.

Reactions at the site of injection may occur. Ask your prescriber or health care professional to suggest a series of injection sites, so that you do not have to use the same site repeatedly. You can use an injection site again after one week, providing the skin is not tender, red, or hard.

Flu-like symptoms are common with interferon gamma-1b therapy. Using this medicine at night can reduce the impact of these symptoms. After checking with your prescriber or health care professional and getting their approval, you may also take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) before your injection to help lessen any fever or headache.

Use disposable syringes only once, and throw away syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving interferon gamma-1b?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• skin rash, itching
• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
• headache
• increased sweating
• muscle aches
• nausea, vomiting
• redness, swelling, tenderness, and irritation at the injection site

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F); do not freeze. Use within 12 hours of taking out of the refrigerator. Throw away any unused vials if they have been out of the refrigerator longer than 12 hours. Do not use any vials after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.