By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > Interferon gamma (monograph)
Drugs

Interferon gamma (monograph)

https://themeditary.com/drug/interferon-gamma-monograph-6863.html
Medically Reviewed by Oluni Odunlami, MD TheMediTary.Com | Reviewed: Aug 14, 2023  Additional Content by TheMediTary.Com

Generic name: actimmune

Availability: Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Actimmune, Interferon gamma-1b

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions

What is Interferon gamma (monograph)?

Introduction

Biologic response modifier; biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) form of endogenous human interferon gamma.

Uses for Interferon Gamma

Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Reduction of the frequency and severity of serious infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Osteopetrosis

Treatment to delay the time to disease progression in patients with severe, malignant osteopetrosis (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interferon gamma-1b was investigated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis† [off-label] (IPF) with mild-to-moderate lung function impairment in the INSPIRE study; the study was terminated early when interim data analysis indicated lack of benefit in patients receiving the drug. Interim analysis also indicated that 14.5% of patients receiving interferon gamma 1-b died compared with 12.7% of those receiving placebo.

Interferon gamma-1b is not approved for use in patients with IPF. FDA suggests that health-care professionals should discuss the results of this trial with their patients receiving the drug for IPF and carefully consider whether they should continue to receive treatment with interferon gamma-1b.

Related/similar drugs

Ofev, nintedanib, pirfenidone, Esbriet, bexarotene, methoxsalen, Zolinza

Interferon Gamma Dosage and Administration

General

  • If home use is prescribed, carefully instruct patients and/or their caregivers in appropriate use; provide a puncture-resistant container for proper, safe disposal of used syringes and needles.

Administration

Sub-Q Administration

Administer by sub-Q injection 3 times weekly (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday).

Optimum sites for sub-Q injection include right and left deltoid and anterior thigh.

To minimize risk of flu-like syndrome, administer at bedtime and/or give acetaminophen to prevent or partially alleviate fever and headache.

Vials contain no preservative; discard any residual solution remaining in the vial after administration of the single dose.

Dosage

Each mg of interferon gamma-1b is approximately equivalent to 20 million international units (equivalent to the amount that formerly was expressed as 30 million units).

Pediatric Patients

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly for patients with body surface area (BSA) >0.5 m2 and 1.5 mcg/kg 3 times weekly for those with body surface area ≤0.5 m2.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly for patients with body surface area >0.5 m2 and 1.5 mcg/kg 3 times weekly for those with body surface area ≤0.5 m2.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Adults

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Adults

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Detailed Interferon gamma-1b dosage information

Warnings

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to interferon gamma-1b, products derived from Escherichia coli, or any ingredient in the formulation.

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Cardiac Effects

Acute and transient flu-like syndrome or constitutional symptoms (e.g., chills, fever) that are associated with daily dosages ≥250 mcg/m2 (>10 times the weekly recommended dosage) may exacerbate preexisting cardiac conditions.

Use with caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease (e.g., arrhythmia, CHF, symptoms of ischemia).

CNS Effects

Possible seizures, decreased mental status, dizziness, and gait disturbance, particularly at daily dosages >250 mcg/m2 (>10 times the weekly recommended dosage).

Use with caution in patients with known seizure disorders or compromised CNS function.

Hematologic Effects

Possibly severe, reversible, dose-limiting neutropenia and thrombocytopenia reported rarely.

Use with caution in patients with myelosuppression and in those receiving drugs that may be myelosuppressive.

Monitor blood cell and differential counts and platelet counts prior to initiating interferon gamma-1b and at 3-month intervals during therapy.

Renal Effects

Proteinuria reported rarely.

Perform urinalysis and monitor appropriate blood chemistry tests prior to initiating interferon gamma-1b and at 3-month intervals during therapy.

Hepatic Effects

Possibly substantial (up to 25-fold) elevations of AST and/or ALT reported; children <1 year of age most at risk (see Pediatric Use under Cautions). Reversible with dosage reduction or interruption of therapy.

Perform liver function tests prior to initiating interferon gamma-1b and at monthly (for children <1 year of age) or 3-month intervals during therapy. If severe hepatic enzyme elevations occur, modify dosages. (See Dosage under Dosage and Administration.)

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

If acute, serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue immediately and initiate appropriate therapy.

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.

Lactation

Not known whether interferon gamma-1b is distributed into milk; discontinue nursing or the drug.

Pediatric Use

Increased risk of elevations of AST and/or ALT in children <1 year of age. May occur as early as 7 days after starting treatment. (See Hepatic Effects under Cautions.)

Possibly reversible alkaline phosphatase elevation and hypokalemia.

Common Adverse Effects

Flu-like syndrome (e.g., headache, fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue), erythema or tenderness at injection site, injection site hemorrhage, nausea, vomiting, rash.

How should I use Interferon gamma (monograph)

General

  • If home use is prescribed, carefully instruct patients and/or their caregivers in appropriate use; provide a puncture-resistant container for proper, safe disposal of used syringes and needles.

Administration

Sub-Q Administration

Administer by sub-Q injection 3 times weekly (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday).

Optimum sites for sub-Q injection include right and left deltoid and anterior thigh.

To minimize risk of flu-like syndrome, administer at bedtime and/or give acetaminophen to prevent or partially alleviate fever and headache.

Vials contain no preservative; discard any residual solution remaining in the vial after administration of the single dose.

Dosage

Each mg of interferon gamma-1b is approximately equivalent to 20 million international units (equivalent to the amount that formerly was expressed as 30 million units).

Pediatric Patients

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly for patients with body surface area (BSA) >0.5 m2 and 1.5 mcg/kg 3 times weekly for those with body surface area ≤0.5 m2.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly for patients with body surface area >0.5 m2 and 1.5 mcg/kg 3 times weekly for those with body surface area ≤0.5 m2.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Adults

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

50 mcg/m2 (1 million international units per m2) 3 times weekly.

If a severe adverse reaction (e.g., flu-like symptoms) occurs, reduce dosage by 50% or discontinue drug until adverse reaction abates.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Adults

Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Osteopetrosis
Sub-Q

Safety and efficacy of dosages >50 mcg/m2 3 times weekly not established.

Detailed Interferon gamma-1b dosage information
Interferon gamma (monograph) Dosage information (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Interferon gamma (monograph)?

No formal drug interaction studies to date.

Specific Drugs

Drug

Interaction

Comments

Myelosuppressive agents

Possible additive myelosuppressive effects

Use with caution

More about Interferon gamma (monograph) (Actimmune)

Dosage information
Interferon gamma (monograph) Side Effects
During pregnancy
Drug images
Side effects
Breastfeeding Warnings
Drug class: Drugs

Related treatment guides

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Osteopetrosis
Share this Article
Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by