Interferon, Gamma (Systemic)

Brand Names : Actimmune

Proper Use of This Medicine

If you are injecting this medicine yourself, use it exactly as directed by your doctor . Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.

Each package of gamma interferon contains a patient instruction sheet. Read this sheet carefully and make sure you understand:

• How to prepare the injection.
• Proper use of disposable syringes.
• How to give the injection.
• How long the injection is stable.

If you have any questions about any of this, check with your health care professional.

While you are using gamma interferon, your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids. This will help prevent low blood pressure due to loss of too much water.

Gamma interferon often causes flu-like symptoms, which can be severe. This effect is less likely to cause problems if you inject your gamma interferon at bedtime.

Dosing - The dose of gamma interferon will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including the patient's body size. If you are receiving gamma interferon at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of gamma interferon, ask your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, do not give the missed dose at all and do not double the next one. Check with your doctor for further instructions.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Discard any unopened vials that are left at room temperature for more than 12 hours.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.