What is Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Interferon gamma-1b is made from human proteins. Interferons help the body fight viral infections.

Interferon gamma-1b is a specific interferon used to prevent infections in people with a condition called chronic granulomatous disease. Interferon gamma-1b is also used to treat a congenital bone disorder called osteopetrosis.

Interferon gamma-1b may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to interferon gamma-1b, or to drug products made from E. Coli bacteria.

Before using interferon gamma-1b, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart rhythm problems
• congestive heart failure
• history of heart disease or blood clots; or
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use interferon gamma-1b.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether interferon gamma-1b passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Actimmune Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using interferon gamma-1b and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• feeling light-headed, fainting
• fast or uneven heart rate; or
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body

Less serious side effects may include:

• problems with memory or concentration
• weakness, tired feeling, lack of coordination
• pain or redness where the injection was given
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• muscle or joint pain; or
• headache

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Actimmune Interactions

What other drugs affect Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

There may be other drugs that can affect interferon gamma-1b. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using interferon gamma-1b.

Actimmune Dosage

How should I take Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Interferon gamma-1b is given as an injection under the skin of your upper arm or thigh. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to use your injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Interferon gamma-1b is usually given 3 times weekly. Do not use the medication every day unless your doctor has told you to.

Use a different place on your arm or thigh each time you give yourself an injection. Your doctor will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject interferon gamma-1b into the same place two times in a row.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

A single use vial of interferon gamma-1b is for one dose only. After measuring your dose from the vial, throw the bottle away even if there is still some medication left in it.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your interferon gamma-1b dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store interferon gamma-1b in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. Throw away any interferon gamma-1b that has been out of the refrigerator for more than 12 hours. Do not put it back into the refrigerator.

What happens if I overdose on Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or flu-like symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Actimmune (Interferon Gamma 1b)?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com