Interferon Gamma-1b Injection

Interferon gamma-1b injection is used to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections in people with chronic granulomatous disease (an inherited immune system disease). It is also used to slow down worsening of their condition in people with severe, malignant osteopetrosis (an inherited bone disease). Interferon gamma-1b is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It is not known exactly how interferon gamma-1b works to treat chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Interferon gamma-1b injection comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) three times a week, for example, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Inject interferon gamma-1b injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use interferon gamma-1b injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

You will receive your first dose of interferon gamma-1b in your doctor’s office. Then you can inject interferon gamma-1b yourself or have a friend or relative give the injections. Before you use interferon gamma-1b yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.

Never reuse or share syringes, needles, or vials of medication. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container and throw away used vials of medication in the trash. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.

You can inject interferon gamma-1b in your upper arms, stomach area, or your thighs. Choose a different spot each time you inject your medication. Do not inject your medication into skin that is irritated, bruised, reddened, infected, or scarred.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet when you begin treatment with interferon gamma-1b and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.