Treats infections that are caused by a condition called chronic granulomatous disease. Also slows the progression of severe osteopetrosis.
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Actimmune |
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| | Interferon Gamma-1b
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Interferon Gamma-1b
Actimmune Uses
Treats infections that are caused by a condition called chronic granulomatous disease. Also slows the progression of severe osteopetrosis. Storage
- Throw away the vial and any medicine left in it after you have had the shot.
If you receive your medicine at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze.
- If a vial of Actimmune® is left out of the refrigerator for more than 12 hours, throw it away without using the medicine.
Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.
How
To Use - APPEARANCE: Injectable.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
- This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your treatment.
Sometimes you or a family member can be taught how to give your medicine at home.
- Read all information you are given and make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection.
Always wipe the top of the medicine bottle with an alcohol pad before each use.
Do not shake the bottle, and do not use the medicine if it has changed color or if you see specks or solid pieces inside the bottle.
Stick the needle into the rubber stopper at the top of the bottle.
- With the needle still stuck in the bottle, turn the bottle upside down and hold it at eye level.
Pull the plunger until it lines up with the number of your dose on the side of the syringe.
Gently tap the syringe with your finger to make any air bubbles float to the top of the syringe, just under the needle.
- Push the plunger in just enough so that the air bubbles go up into the bottle, and pull enough medicine back down into the syringe to make the correct dose.
You will be shown several places on your body where this shot can be given.
- Use a different body area to give your shot each time you use your medicine.
- Keeping a record of where you give each injection will help make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes.
- Otherwise, throw your used needles away in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through.
- Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Each vial contains enough medicine for one shot.
Side
Effects - Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Black, tarry stools
Dizziness or trouble walking
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon gamma.
Missed
Dose - Use your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
Do not use two doses at the same time.
Drug
Interactions - If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease (including chest pain (angina), congestive heart failure, or heart rhythm problems), or if you have problems with your blood (such as anemia or low levels of white blood cells), including problems caused by other medicines.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have seizures or other nervous system problems.
This medicine may cause you to feel like you are coming down with the flu (fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, tiredness).
- These symptoms may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine.
- Taking Tylenol® and getting your shot just before bedtime may help you feel better.
Your doctor may want you to have lab tests on a regular basis while you are receiving this medicine.
- This is to make sure the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
- These tests are important, so keep all appointments.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |