Immukin

How does it work?

This injection contains recombinant human interferon gamma 1b. Interferons are a family of small protein molecules that are produced and secreted by cells in response to viral infections or various synthetic and biological inducers. Three major classes of interferons have been identified: alfa, beta and gamma. They work in a complicated way that is not fully understood, but are thought to boost the immune system, causing it to attack infected or cancerous cells. Interferons can be used to treat a range of diseases. Interferon gamma is used in the treatment of an hereditary disorder of the immune system called chronic granulomatous disease. In chronic granulomatous disease there is a defect in certain white blood cells that means they are unable to kill bacteria. As a result, sufferers are very prone to infection. Interferon gamma is used to supplement antibiotic treatment in people with chronic granulomatous disease as a way of reducing the frequency of serious infections.

What is it used for?

Chronic granulomatous disease

Warning!

The effects of alcohol are enhanced by this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Use with caution in

Heart disease

Infants under 6 months of age

Seizure disorders, eg due to brain injury or epilepsy

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Nausea

Fatigue

Fever (pyrexia)

Chills

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Local pain and swelling at the site of injection

Vomiting

Pain in the joints (arthralgia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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