The Web Health

Subscribe

Interferon gamma-1b

Brand name: Actimmune
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (2000000 intl units/0.5 ml)
Drug class: interferons

What is Interferon Gamma-1b (IGMA-1b)?

The human protein used to make Interferon Gamma-1b Interferons are proteins that help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon-gamma-1b can be used to treat people who have a chronic granulomatous condition. Interferon-gamma-1b can also be used to slow down the progression of malignant osteopetrosis.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of interferon gamma-1b.

Side effects of Interferon gamma-1b

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Interferon gamma-1b may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Confusion, hallucinations;
  • A seizure (convulsions);
  • Low blood counts; flu-like symptoms; swollen or red gums; skin and mouth sores
  • Kidney problems include: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or breathless.

If you experience certain side effects, your doses could be reduced or delayed.

Interferon Gamma-1b can cause a variety of side effects, including:

  • Fever, chills;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Headache;
  • Feeling tired
  • Is rash
  • Redness or tenderness at the injection site

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

The following are the terms and conditions for using this service: nintedanib, pirfenidone, Esbriet, methoxsalen, romidepsin, and bexarotene.

Warnings

The interferon gamma-1b may lower the blood cells, which help fight infection and clot your blood. You could get a virus or bleed easily. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising or show signs of infection (fever, chills, or body aches), call your doctor.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to either interferon-gamma-1b or drug products made with E. Coli bacteria, then you should avoid using interferon-gamma-1b.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that interferon-gamma-1b will be safe for you:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Congestive heart failure;
  • A nerve-muscle disorder;
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • A history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), including "mini stroke".
  • A history of seizures
  • An allergic reaction to rubber

This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant. This medicine can affect your fertility (your ability to have children), regardless of whether you're a man.

There is no way to know if interferon-gamma-1b can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who was nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding. Interferon Gamma-1b should not be used by children younger than one year of age.

How to take Interferon gamma-1b?

Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or take for longer than recommended. Under the skin, interferon gamma-1b can be injected. You may be taught how to inject at home. You should not administer this medication to yourself if you don't know how to properly use the needles or syringes. Only use the type of syringe recommended by your pharmacist or supplied with this medication. Mixing other injectable medications with interferon-gamma-1b is not recommended.

Shake the bottle gently. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready for an injection. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. This medicine comes in a single-use bottle (vial). Even if some medicine is left after injection, throw it away after use. This can help you clot your blood and fight infections. It can be easier to get sick or bleed when you are around people who are ill.

You may require frequent blood tests while using interferon gamma-1b. You may also be required to have your kidney function checked. Inform your doctor of any changes to your height or weight. The dose of interferon gamma-1b is based on the body surface area, which includes height and weight. Any changes to your height or weight may change your dose. Do not freeze interferon gamma-1b. Take the medication out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature prior to injecting.

Do not leave medicine at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Toss the medication if you have left it at room temperature for over 12 hours. Do not store medicine back in the refrigerator. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as possible, take the forgotten dose. If your next scheduled dosage is nearing, skip it instead. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

You may experience flu-like symptoms, or you might notice a change in your mental state, or you might feel dizzy, lose coordination or balance, or lose balance.

What should be avoided?

Alcohol consumption with interferon gamma-1b may cause side effects. This medicine can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires you to remain alert.

Interaction with other drug

Interferon gamma-1b may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.