Interferon Gamma-1b injection

What is this medication?

INTERFERON (in ter FEER on) Gamma-1b helps your immune system work better. In patients with chronic granulomatous disease, this medicine helps to fight infections. In children with osteoporosis, interferon gamma helps to slow the progression of the disease.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actimmune

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart disease
• history of blood diseases, like leukemia
• history of low blood counts caused by a medicine
• immune system problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• seizure disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to interferon gamma, proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Do not shake the solution before measuring or injecting a dose. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. Reschedule your next dose about 48 hours later. Contact your doctor or health care professional if you have questions about adjusting your schedule.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection
• vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• chest pain
• fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• increased sweating
• muscle aches
• nausea, vomiting
• redness, swelling, or tenderness at site where injected

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Use within 12 hours of taking out of the refrigerator. Throw away any unused vials if they have been out of the refrigerator longer than 12 hours. Do not use any vials after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.