Interferon Gamma-1b

A to Z Drug Facts

Interferon Gamma-1b

	Actions
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(IN-ter-FEER-ahn GAM-uh-1b)

Actimmune

Injection: 100 mcg (2 million IU)/0.5 mL

Class: Interferon/Immunomodulator

Actions Produces potent phagocyte-activating effects, including generation of toxic oxygen metabolites within phagocytes, which mediate killing of microorganisms. Activities include enhancement of oxidative metabolism of tissue macrophages and enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural killer (NK) cell activity.

Indications Reduction of frequency and severity of serious infections associated with chronic granulomatous disease.

Treatment of small-cell lung cancer, atopic dermatitis, trauma-related infections, metastatic renal-cell carcinoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, asthma and allergies, refractory leishmaniasis, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and AIDS.

Contraindications Hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived products.

Route/Dosage

ADULTS & CHILDREN: SC 50 mcg/m² (1.5 million U/m²) if body surface area is > 0.5 m² or 1.5 mcg/kg/dose if body surface area is £ 0.5 m². Administer 3 times/wk (eg, Monday, Wednesday, Friday) into right or left deltoid or anterior thigh. If severe adverse reactions develop, reduced dosage or discontinuation of therapy may be necessary until those reactions subside.

Interactions

Live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, polio, rubella): May inhibit antibody response after immunization; avoid concurrent use. Myelosuppressive agents: Additive neutropenic effects are possible.

Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: Decreased mental status; gait disturbance; dizziness; fatigue; headache. GI: Diarrhea; vomiting; nausea. GU: Proteinuria. HEMATOLOGIC: Thrombocytopenia. OTHER: Fever; chills; erythema or tenderness at injection site; myalgia; arthralgia.

Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Safety and efficacy in children < 1 yr not established. Special risk patients: Exercise caution in patients with seizure disorders, compromised CNS function, cardiac disease, and myelosuppression.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

Discard unused portion of any vial. Product contains no preservative, and vials are only suitable for single dose.
Refrigerate; do not freeze. Any unopened vial should not be left at room temperature for > 12 hr. Do not shake vial.
Administer by SC route only in right or left deltoid and anterior thigh.
Give at bedtime with acetaminophen for fever and headache.

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
Obtain baseline CBC with differential, platelets, renal and hepatic studies, BUN, creatinine, ALT, and urinalysis. Monitor throughout therapy.
Monitor results of laboratory tests.
Assess patient for GI, CNS, cardiovascular, dermatological, and hematological side effects. If present, notify health care provider.
Monitor hydration if patient experiences anorexia, nausea, or diarrhea.
If patient experiences adverse CNS symptoms, implement safety precautions such as lowering bed, putting side rails up, and supervising ambulation.
Implement infection control measures if WBC drops; implement bleeding precautions if platelet count drops.
Discuss need for antiemetic with health care provider if nausea or vomiting develops.
If flu-like symptoms occur, administer drug in evening and give acetaminophen as prescribed.

Patient/Family Education

Stress importance of returning for follow-up blood tests.
Teach infection control measures, bleeding precautions, and energy-conservation measures.
Caution patient to use safety precautions and not to perform activities that require mental alertness if decreased mental status or dizziness occur.
Advise patient to take medication at bedtime if flu-like symptoms occur, and to use acetaminophen as needed.
Explain importance of adequate hydration.
Teach patient or family to store, prepare, and administer drug SC.
Provide puncture-resistant container for disposal of used syringes and needles.
Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: swollen ankles; dyspnea; chest pain; noisy breathing; flu-like symptoms; pain at injection site; headache; fever; fluid retention; pelvic pain; cysts; migraine headaches; pounding in chest; sleeplessness; menstrual problems; breast pain; frequent urination; hair loss; sweating; anxiety; confusion; joint and muscle aches; high blood pressure; sinus infection; difficulty breathing; laryngitis; convulsions.

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