Interferon Gamma-1b Injection (patient information)

About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered interferon gamma-1b. This drug is a manmade version of a substance normally produced by your body's cells to help fight infections, and it is used to treat patients with chronic granulomatous disease. The drug will be injected under your skin three times a week. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

Precautions
Before administering interferon gamma-1b:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to interferon gamma-1b or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease or seizures.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking interferon gamma-1b, call your doctor.

Administering your medication
Before you administer interferon gamma-1b, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider.

Side effects
The most common side effects from interferon gamma-1b are flu-like symptoms which include fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, and fatigue. Your health care provider may advise you to inject your dose of interferon gamma-1b at bedtime to lessen these effects.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:


 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * pinpoint red spots on skin
 * black, tarry stools
 * blood in urine or stool

Storing your medication
Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of interferon gamma-1b at a time. If you are receiving interferon gamma-1b, you probably will be told to store it in the refrigerator. Take your next dose from the refrigerator 1 hour before using it; place it in a clean, dry area to allow it to warm to room temperature. Do not let the vial remain out of the refrigerator for more than 12 hours. Do not allow interferon gamma-1b to freeze.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection
If you are receiving interferon gamma-1b under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of an infection where the needle enters your skin. If you experience any of these effects near your site of injection, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:


 * tenderness
 * warmth
 * irritation
 * drainage
 * redness
 * swelling
 * pain

Brand names

 * Actimmune®