Interferon Gamma-1b

U.S. Brand Names

Actimmune®

Canadian Brand Names

Actimmune®

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 or emergency department immediately.

• 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).

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

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:19:25.0

Modified: 2008-02-08 14:55:18.0

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