Interferon Gamma-1b Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: solution.

Serious side effects of interferon gamma-1b

Along with its needed effects, interferon gamma-1b may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking interferon gamma-1b:

More common side effects

• chills
• fever

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• loss of balance control
• lower back or side pain
• mask-like face
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• shuffling walk
• sore throat
• stiffness of the arms or legs
• trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers
• trouble breathing
• trouble speaking or swallowing
• trouble thinking or concentrating
• trouble walking
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• change in walking and balance
• clay colored stools
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• increased thirst
• itching or skin rash
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• redness and soreness of the eyes
• runny nose
• shivering skin
• sweating
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• trouble sleeping
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of interferon gamma-1b

Some side effects of interferon gamma-1b may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• redness or tenderness at the injection site

Less common side effects

• back pain
• dizziness
• weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain
• Frequency not reported: Pancreatitis, GI hemorrhage^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia, atrioventricular block, transient ischemic attack, deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, syncope^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Convulsions, Parkinsonian gait, Parkinsonian rest tremor, gait disturbance^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, bronchospasm, tachypnea, chest discomfort^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Renal failure, proteinuria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, arthralgia, back pain

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression
• Frequency not reported: Confusion, disorientation, hallucination^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Hepatic enzymes increased^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fever, chills, fatigue^[Ref]

Further information

Interferon gamma-1b side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer