Interferon gamma

Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma, products derived from Escherichia coli.

Patient with myelosuppression, history of seizure disorder or compromised CNS function, pre-existing CV disease (e.g. ischaemia, heart failure, arrhythmia), seizure disorder. Severe renal and hepatic impairment. Children and elderly. Pregnancy and lactation.

Significant: Dose-related reversible neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, neurologic disorders (e.g. dizziness, decreased mental status, gait disturbances), flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, headache, chills, myalgia, fatigue), increased AST and/or ALT, acute serious hypersensitivity reactions, transient cutaneous rashes, renal toxicity, risk of drug accumulation (particularly in severe renal and hepatic impairment).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Inj site pain, erythema, tenderness.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Arthralgia, back pain.
Psychiatric disorders: Depression.

This drug may cause fatigue, convulsion, confusion, disorientation or hallucination, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Monitor CBC with differential, platelet count, LFTs, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, and urinalysis before treatment and every 3 months thereafter.

Increased risk for unexpected amplified immune response with other heterologous serum protein or immunological preparations (e.g. vaccines). May prolong the half-lives of drugs that are metabolised by CYP450 system. May increase toxicity with drugs that have neurotoxic, haematotoxic, myelosuppressive, or cardiotoxic effects.

Description:
Overview: Interferon gamma, a biosynthetic form of endogenous human interferon gamma, is a cytokine with antiviral and immunomodulating effects.
Mechanism of Action: Interferon gamma increases macrophage cytotoxicity by enhancing the respiratory burst via generation of toxic oxygen metabolites, which mediate the killing of intracellular microorganisms. It increases HLA-DR expression and augments Fc receptors expression, thereby causing an increased antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity. However, the exact mechanism of action remains unknown.
Synonym(s): Interferon gamma-1b.
Pharmacodynamics: Studies have demonstrated an increase on oxidative capacity of cells in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, which suggests increased superoxide production, leading to enhanced microbial killing and reduced risk of serious infections. In patients with severe malignant osteoporosis, interferon gamma-1b has been shown to enhance phagocytic superoxide production and osteoclast function in vivo. Additionally, in vitro studies have demonstrated a threefold increase in superoxide generation in osteoclasts from affected patients compared with minimal changes in healthy cells. In both disorders, the exact mechanism has not been clearly established.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 7 hours (SC).
Excretion: Elimination half-life: Approx 6 hours (SC).

Intact vial: Store between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Discard if intact vial is left at room temperature for >12 hours before use.

Cancer Immunotherapy / Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

L03AB03 - interferon gamma ; Belongs to the class of interferons. Used as immunostimulants.

Actimmune Injection, Solution (Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Interferon Gamma. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Immukin 2 x 10^6 IU (0.1 mg) Solution for Injection (Clinigen Healthcare Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Interferon Gamma-1b. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Interferon Gamma-1b. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Interferon Gamma. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Joint Formulary Committee. Interferon Gamma-1b. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 10/10/2025.

Paediatric Formulary Committee. Interferon Gamma-1b. BNF for Children [online]. London. BMJ Group, Pharmaceutical Press, and RCPCH Publications. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 20/11/2025.