Our body has a very amazing defense system. We call it the immune system. Just like the army that protects a country, this system is what keeps us healthy by fighting off germs that cause diseases. But sometimes, this defense system needs a little help. That's when drugs like Interferon Gamma-1b come to our aid. Let's talk about this drug today.
What is this vaccine called Interferon Gamma-1b?
Simply put, this is a drug that helps your immune system function better. It's like giving our military a new, advanced weapon. This drug is mainly used to treat two conditions.
1. Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD): This is a bit of a complicated name. A person with this disease has an immune system that is unable to fight off certain types of bacteria and fungi. So they get frequent, serious infections. This Interferon vaccine helps the body fight off infections by improving that ability.
2. Osteoporosis in children: In this condition, children's bones become weak and break easily. This medicine helps control the rate at which the disease progresses.
The most important thing is that only the doctor who examines you can decide whether to use this medicine and how to use it. Never use a medicine that has been prescribed for someone else.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you are given the Interferon Gamma-1b vaccine, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease: If you have or have had heart disease.
- Blood diseases: If you have a history of blood-related diseases such as leukemia.
- Low blood cell count due to another medication: If you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets due to a previous medication.
- Other immune system problems: Any other immune system weakness.
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Seizure disorder / Epilepsy: If you have had seizures before.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this Interferon medicine, other proteins, other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
By providing this information accurately, the doctor will be able to provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
How to use the medicine?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin. Usually, the first time you get this vaccine, it is given to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
However, sometimes you may need to get this vaccine at home. If that happens, you will be taught how to prepare the vaccine and how to give it correctly.
A few things to remember:
- Do not shake the medicine: Do not shake the medicine bottle before taking a dose of the vaccine or before injecting it.
- Use it correctly: Use it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dose. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or take it more often.
- Used needles and syringes: This is very important . Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special container (sharps container) that is provided. If you do not have such a container, ask your doctor about how to get one.
- If given to children: Special precautions should be taken when giving this medicine to children. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Schedule your next dose about 48 hours later. However, it is best to talk to your doctor about how to adjust your schedule.
Side effects and interactions
Like any medicine, Interferon Gamma-1b can cause some side effects and interactions with other medicines.
Things that may interact with this medicine
- Immunosuppressants: Other medications that reduce your ability to fight infections.
- Vaccines: Some vaccines may interact with this medication.
Give your doctor a complete list of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, and herbs you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. If they don't get better or get worse, tell your doctor.
- Blood tests: You may need frequent blood tests while taking this medicine.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not get up or sit up quickly, especially if you are elderly. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Chest pain | Sudden chest pain or tightness. |
| Fever, cold-like symptoms | High fever, chills, body aches. |
| Unusual fatigue | Feeling extremely tired or fatigued for no reason. |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Excessive sweating | Sweating more than normal. |
| Muscle pain | Pain in the muscles of the body. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting. |
| Changes at the injection site | Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36-46 Fahrenheit). Do not store in a deep freezer. Do not freeze the medicine.
- Use within 12 hours of removing from the refrigerator. Discard vials that have been out for more than 12 hours.
- Never use medicine vials that have passed their expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Interferon Gamma-1b is a medicine that helps your immune system fight infections.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- The medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose or take too much, seek medical advice immediately.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes safely, in a special container only.
- Avoid activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
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