Uses of Interferon Gamma-1b Injection
Interferon gamma-1b injection is used to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections in people with chronic granulomatous disease (an inherited immune system disease). It is also used to slow down worsening of their condition in people with severe, malignant osteopetrosis (an inherited bone disease). Interferon gamma-1b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It is not known exactly how interferon gamma-1b works to treat chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis.
Side Effects of Interferon Gamma-1b Injection
- extreme tiredness
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- muscle or joint pain
- dizziness
- problems with walking
- confusion
- bruising, redness, swelling, bleeding, or irritation at the injection spot
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, stop the medication and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, and throat
Interferon gamma-1b injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving interferon gamma-1b injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to interferon gamma-1b injection, products made from E. colibacteria, any other medications, or any of the other ingredients in interferon gamma-1b injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, a low number of red or low white blood cells, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, or heart or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving interferon gamma-1b injection, call your doctor.
- you should know that you may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, and tiredness after your injection. Your doctor may tell you to take acetaminophen (Tylenol), an over-the-counter pain and fever medication, to help with these symptoms. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms are difficult to manage or become severe.
Dosage
Interferon gamma-1b injection comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) three times a week, for example, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Inject interferon gamma-1b injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use interferon gamma-1b injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will receive your first dose of interferon gamma-1b in your doctor’s office. Then you can inject interferon gamma-1b yourself or have a friend or relative give the injections. Before you use interferon gamma-1b yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.
Never reuse or share syringes, needles, or vials of medication. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container and throw away used vials of medication in the trash. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
You can inject interferon gamma-1b in your upper arms, stomach area, or thighs. Choose a different spot each time you inject your medication. Do not inject your medication into the skin that is irritated, bruised, reddened, infected, or scarred.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet when you begin treatment with interferon gamma-1b and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory while using interferon gamma-1b injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
