Interferon gamma-1b

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 15, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Actimmune

Available Dosage Forms:

Solution

Therapeutic Class: Immunological Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Interferon Gamma

Uses for interferon gamma-1b

Interferon gamma-1b injection is used to lower the frequency and severity of serious infections caused by chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). It is also used to slow down the progression of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). Interferon gamma-1b is a man-made version of a substance naturally produced by cells in the body to help fight infections and tumors.

Interferon gamma-1b is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using interferon gamma-1b

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For interferon gamma-1b, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to interferon gamma-1b or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Actimmune® to treat CGD in children 1 year of age and older, and to treat SMO in children 1 month and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children to treat CGD younger than 1 year of age, and in newborns with SMO.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Actimmune® in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Actimmune®.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Interferon gamma-1b Injection, Subcutaneous