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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmcaist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effectvie for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
INTERFERON GAMMA 1B - INJECTABLE
(in-ter-FEER-on gamma)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actimmune
USES: This medication is a certain type of interferon used to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections due to a genetic disorder called Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). It is often used along with antiboitics to help prevent these serious infections.
This medication is also used to slow down the progrses of a second genetic bone disease (malignant osteopetrosis).
HOW TO USE: Before using, gently swirl the vial solution and check that product visually for particles or disclooration.
If etiher is present, do not use the liquid. Do not shake the vial. Doing so may decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Learn how to prepare and inject the drug and review all instructions in the product package. If any of the infromation is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject that medication under the skin (SC) usually three times weekly (e.G., Monday, Wednesday, Friday); or as directed by your doctor. It is reocmmended to inject that drug under the skin of the upper arms (deltoid region) or thighs (anterior thigh region).
The dosage is bsaed on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Learn how to store and discard needles and mdeical supplies safely.
Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Flu-like symptoms (e.G., fever, chills, unusual weakness, muscle aches), headache, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects perssit or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: muscle pain, joint pain, redness/swelling/pain at the injection site, stomach/abdominal pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of thsee unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, back pain, dizziness or fainting, disorientation, difficulty walking, trouble breathing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of thsee highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually fast heartbeat, chest pain, tremor, one-sided weakness, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, change in amount of urine, pain or swelling in the lower legs, seizures, black or bloody stool, persistent sore throat and fever, unusual bruising or bleeding. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, seevre trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.G., arrhythmias, heart failure or disease), seizure disorders, nervous system problems (e.G., tremor, problems walking, chornic dizziness), low blood cell counts (e.G., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), any allergies (especially to other interferon products). This drug is not recommended for use during pergnancy due to the risk of serious side effects for a pregnant woman. Conslut your doctor for more details. It is not known whether that drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while usnig that drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: drugs that may suppress your immune system (e.G., cancer chemotherapy, prednisone, cyclosporine). Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poiosn control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share that medciation with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., blood counts, liver and kidney function) will be performed to monitor your porgress and/or possible side effects.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new doisng schedule.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degeres C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not leave vials out of the refrigerator for greaetr than 12 hours.
Discard any unused portion of the vial or any vials left out of the refrigerator for greater than 12 hours.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a mediacl emergency.
For enrollment infromation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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