Interferon Gamma-1b

U.S. Brand Names

Actimmune®

Canadian Brand Names

Actimmune®

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

Interferon

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to interferon gamma-1b, E. coli derived proteins, or any other part of this medicine.

• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to fight infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease.

• This medicine is used to slow the progress of osteopetrosis.

How does this medicine work?

• Interferon gamma-1b helps the body's immune system fight infections.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

• Your child's healthcare provider will teach you how to give the shot.

• Give 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 are giving the shot at home.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Do not shake the solution.

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid every day 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.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take several months to see full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.

• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose, brand, or stop your child's medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• If your child has bleeding problems, talk with healthcare provider.

• If your child has heart disease, talk with healthcare provider. The flu-like side effects of interferon may be stressful to heart patients.

• If your child has seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

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 and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.

• Belly pain.

• Muscle weakness.

• Depression.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• For the occurrence of side effects.

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.

• If your child shows signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.

• If your child has unusual bruising or bleeding.

• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.

• If your child is feeling extremely tired or weak.

• If your child is not hungry.

• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.

• If your child has severe belly pain.

• If your child has severe skin irritation.

• If your child develops a rash.

• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of 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 your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear allergy identification at all times.

• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.

• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.

• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's 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 your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Created: 2006-10-16 11:35:59.0

Modified: 2008-01-29 09:03:37.0

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