Interferon Gamma-1b (Injection)

Introduction

Interferon Gamma-1b (in-ter-FEER-on GAM-ma-1b)

Treats infections that are caused by a condition called chronic granulomatous disease. Also slows the progression of severe osteopetrosis.

Brand Name(s)

Actimmune

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
• Sometimes you or a family member can be taught how to give your medicine at home. Read all information you are given and make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
• Always wipe the top of the medicine bottle with an alcohol pad before each use.
• Do not shake the bottle, and do not use the medicine if it has changed color or if you see specks or solid pieces inside the bottle.
• Stick the needle into the rubber stopper at the top of the bottle. With the needle still stuck in the bottle, turn the bottle upside down and hold it at eye level.
• Pull the plunger until it lines up with the number of your dose on the side of the syringe.
• Gently tap the syringe with your finger to make any air bubbles float to the top of the syringe, just under the needle. Push the plunger in just enough so that the air bubbles go up into the bottle, and pull enough medicine back down into the syringe to make the correct dose.
• You will be shown several places on your body where this shot can be given. Use a different body area to give your shot each time you use your medicine. Keeping a record of where you give each injection will help make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes. Otherwise, throw your used needles away in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Each vial contains enough medicine for one shot.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Throw away the vial and any medicine left in it after you have had the shot.
• If you receive your medicine at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If a vial of Actimmune® is left out of the refrigerator for more than 12 hours, throw it away without using the medicine.
• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease (including chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, or heart rhythm problems), or if you have problems with your blood (such as anemia or low levels of white blood cells), including problems caused by other medicines.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have seizures or other nervous system problems.
• This medicine may cause you to feel like you are coming down with the flu (fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, tiredness). These symptoms may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Taking Tylenol® and getting your shot just before bedtime may help you feel better.
• Your doctor may want you to have lab tests on a regular basis while you are receiving this medicine. This is to make sure the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. These tests are important, so keep all appointments.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Black, tarry stools
• Dizziness or trouble walking
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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