Drug Detail:Interferon gamma (monograph) (Actimmune)
Drug Class:
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Body surface area (BSA) 0.5 m2 or less:
1.5 mcg/kg/dose subcutaneously 3 times a week
BSA greater than 0.5 m2:
50 mcg/m2 (1 million International Units/m2) subcutaneously 3 times a week
Comments:
- Prior to the beginning of treatment and at 3-month intervals during treatment the following laboratory tests are recommended for all patients: hematologic tests (including complete blood counts), differential and platelet counts, blood chemistries (including renal and liver function tests), and urinalysis.
Use: For reducing the frequency and severity of serious infections associated with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)
Usual Adult Dose for Osteopetrosis
Body surface area (BSA) 0.5 m2 or less:
1.5 mcg/kg/dose subcutaneously 3 times a week
BSA greater than 0.5 m2:
50 mcg/m2 (1 million International Units/m2) subcutaneously 3 times a week
Comments:
- Prior to the beginning of treatment and at 3-month intervals during treatment the following laboratory tests are recommended for all patients: hematologic tests (including complete blood counts), differential and platelet counts, blood chemistries (including renal and liver function tests), and urinalysis.
Use: For delaying time to disease progression in patients with severe malignant osteopetrosis (SMO)
Usual Pediatric Dose for Chronic Granulomatous Disease
One year and older:
- Body surface area (BSA) 0.5 m2 or less:
- BSA greater than 0.5 m2:
Comments:
- Prior to the beginning of treatment and at 3-month intervals during treatment the following laboratory tests are recommended for all patients: Hematologic tests (including complete blood counts), differential and platelet counts, blood chemistries (including renal and liver function tests) and urinalysis. In patients less than 1 year, liver function tests should be measured monthly.
Use: For reducing the frequency and severity of serious infections associated with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) in children 1 year and older
Usual Pediatric Dose for Osteopetrosis
One month and older:
- Body surface area (BSA) 0.5 m2 or less:
- BSA greater than 0.5 m2:
Comments:
- Prior to the beginning of treatment and at 3-month intervals during treatment the following laboratory tests are recommended for all patients: Hematologic tests (including complete blood counts), differential and platelet counts, blood chemistries (including renal and liver function tests) and urinalysis. In patients less than 1 year, liver function tests should be measured monthly.
Use: For delaying time to disease progression in patients with severe malignant osteopetrosis (SMO) in children 1 month and older
Renal Dose Adjustments
Dose adjustment(s) may be required; however, no specific guidelines have been suggested. Caution recommended.
Liver Dose Adjustments
Reduce dose or discontinue therapy to reverse severe elevations of aspartate transaminase (AST) and/or alanine transaminase (ALT). Monitor liver function monthly in patients less than 1 year old.
Dose Adjustments
Dose Modification:
- If severe reactions occur, the dose should be reduced by 50% or therapy should be interrupted until the adverse reaction abates.
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for this drug given in doses greater or less than the recommended dose of 50 mcg/m2. Higher doses (i.e., greater than 50 mcg/m2) are not recommended. The minimum effective dose has not been established.
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- Hypersensitivity to the active component or any of the ingredients
- Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma or E. coli derived products
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 1 year for chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 1 month for severe malignant osteopetrosis (SMO).
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- This drug can be administered by a physician, nurse, family member, or patient when counseled in the administration of subcutaneous injections.
- The optimum sites of subcutaneous injection are the right and left deltoid and anterior thigh.
- Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
- This drug is for a single use only.
- Discard any unused portion.
- Do not mix other drugs with this drug in the same syringe.
- Administer this drug using either sterilized glass or plastic disposable syringes.
Storage requirements:
- Store vials in the refrigerator at 2C to 8C (36F to 46F).
- Do not freeze.
- Avoid excessive or vigorous agitation. Do not shake.
- An unused vial can be stored at room temperature up to 12 hours prior to use.
- Discard vials if not used within a 12-hour period. Do not return to the refrigerator.
Monitoring:
- When administering this drug in combination with other potentially myelosuppressive agents, monitor neutrophil and platelet counts.