interferon gamma-1b at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant cytokine and immunomodulator
Licensed uses
Reducing serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease and severe, malignant osteopetrosis
Administration
Injection under the skin; patients or family members may administer it after training
Routine monitoring
Blood counts, liver and kidney function, and urine testing
What is interferon gamma-1b used for?
UK-licensed uses are to reduce serious infections in:
Chronic granulomatous disease, an inherited disorder in which phagocytes cannot kill some bacteria and fungi effectively.
Severe, malignant osteopetrosis, an inherited bone disorder that can affect bone marrow and increase susceptibility to serious infection.
How does interferon gamma-1b work?
It acts as an immune-signalling cytokine. Its precise action in chronic granulomatous disease is uncertain, but it is thought to strengthen macrophage antimicrobial activity and increase HLA-DR and Fc-receptor expression.
interferon gamma-1b preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 0.1 mg, 106 units
How to take interferon gamma-1b
Use it exactly as prescribed. It is injected under the skin by a healthcare professional or a trained patient or family member.
Check the prepared amount carefully before injection.
Do not use solution that is discoloured or contains particles.
Do not mix it with another medicine or shake the vial vigorously.
Each preservative-free vial is for single use. Use immediately after opening and discard any remainder.
Keep refrigerated and do not freeze.
interferon gamma-1b side effects
Common or expected effects
- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Rash
- Joint, back or abdominal pain
- Raised liver enzymes
- Depression
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, especially breathing difficulty, swelling or collapse
- Neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, which may cause infection, bruising or bleeding
- Seizure, marked confusion, disorientation or hallucinations
- Serious heart, lung, liver, kidney or pancreatic symptoms
- Some serious reactions have unknown frequency and were mainly reported in studies of other conditions, often with higher exposure
interferon gamma-1b in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are inadequate, and animal studies found reproductive toxicity. UK product information says it should not be used during pregnancy unless considered vitally indicated. Pregnancy or plans to conceive require specialist review.
interferon gamma-1b while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether interferon gamma-1b enters human milk or affects a breastfed infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment; discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
interferon gamma-1b interactions
Give the specialist team a complete list of medicines and planned vaccinations.
Vaccines and other immunological or foreign protein preparations
Concurrent administration should be avoided because it may amplify immune responses or increase immunogenicity.
Medicines harmful to the liver or kidneys
They could alter interferon gamma-1b clearance or add to organ toxicity.
Cytochrome P450-metabolised medicines
Interferon gamma-1b could theoretically prolong their effects by slowing metabolism.
Common questions about interferon gamma-1b
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is interferon gamma-1b used for?
It is licensed to reduce serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease and severe, malignant osteopetrosis.
Does it cure chronic granulomatous disease?
No. It reduces serious infections but does not correct the inherited immune-system defect.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.