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Interferon Gamma-1BPrecautionsBefore using interferon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex found in the packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as angina, irregular heartbeat, heart failure), liver disease, seizure disorder, blood cell disorders (such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). This drug may make you tired or cause mental changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more tired or cause mental changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Tell your health care professional that you are using this product before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children, especially those younger than 1 year, may be at greater risk for effects on the liver while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Side EffectsInjection site reactions (pain/swelling/redness), diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur, especially when you first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after the injection and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can reduce these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using a fever reducer/pain reliever such as acetaminophen before or after each dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: lightheadedness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression), shaking (tremors), trouble walking, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, increasing tiredness, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), black/tarry stools, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, seizures, pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch, coughing up blood. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. |