Interferon-Gamma 1b

Interferon-Gamma 1b is a prescription medication used for the treatment of Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Malignant Osteopetrosis. 

• Interferon-Gamma 1b is available under the following different brand names: Actimmune.

Common side effects of Interferon-Gamma 1b include:

• fever,
• chills,
• diarrhea,
• headache,
• tiredness,
• rash, and
• redness or tenderness where the medicine was injected.

Serious side effects of Interferon-Gamma 1b include:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• confusion,
• hallucination,
• seizure,
• fever,
• chills,
• flu-like symptoms,
• swollen gums,
• mouth sores,
• skin sores,
• easy bruising,
• unusual bleeding,
• little or no urination,
• painful or difficult urination,
• swelling in the feet or ankles,
• tiredness, and
• shortness of breath

Rare side effects of Interferon-Gamma 1b include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Injectable solution

• 100 mcg /0.5mL (single-dose vial)
• 50 mcg = 1 million units/m²

Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Adult and pediatric dosage

• BSA above 0.5 m²: 50 mcg/m² subcutaneous 3 times/week  
• BSA 0.5 m² or below: 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneous 3 times/week

Malignant Osteopetrosis

Adult dosage

• BSA above 0.5 m²: 50 mcg/m² subcutaneous 3 times/week  
• BSA 0.5 m² or below: 1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneous 3 times/week

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Interferon-Gamma 1b has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Interferon-Gamma 1b has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • deferiprone
  • ropeginterferon alfa 2b
• Interferon-Gamma 1b has moderate interactions with the following drugs:
  • acalabrutinib
  • dichlorphenamide
  • hydroxyurea
  • lomustine
  • ponesimod
  • siponimod
  • theophylline
  • ublituximab
• Interferon-Gamma 1b has minor interactions with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma or E. coli-derived products

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Interferon-Gamma 1b?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Interferon-Gamma 1b?”

Cautions

• Immunocompromised patients
• Potential for hepatotoxicity
• If severe reactions occur, decrease the dose by 50% or withhold until side effects subside.
• Caution in cardiovascular disease; pre-existing cardiac conditions may be exacerbated.
• Reduce dose or discontinue if decreased mental status, gait disturbance, or dizziness occurs.
• Monitor for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia particularly when administering in combination with other potentially myelosuppressive agents.
• Reduce dose or discontinue to reverse severe elevations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and/or alanine transaminase (ALT); monitor liver function monthly in patients below 1 year old.
• If serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue and institute appropriate medical therapy.
• Monitor renal function regularly when administering therapy to patients with severe renal insufficiency.
• Refrigerate vials-do does not freeze or shake.
• The stopper of the glass vial contains natural rubber (a derivative of latex) which may cause allergic reactions.
• May cause flu-like symptoms.
• No preservatives-discard unused portions

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use it with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Lactation
  • Not known whether excreted in breast milk, discontinue the drug or do not nurse.