Advil PM Liqui-Gels and Interferon Gamma

• Generic Name: diphenhydramine / ibuprofen
• Dosage Forms: tablet, coated
• Other Brand Names: Advil PM, Advil PM Liqui-Gels, Ibuprofen PM, Motrin PM

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which can aid in the treatment of occasional sleep problems (insomnia).

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Advil PM Liqui-Gels is a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains.

Advil PM Liqui-Gels is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.

Advil PM Liqui-Gels may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: interferon gamma-1b
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Actimmune

Reduction of the frequency and severity of serious infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Treatment to delay the time to disease progression in patients with severe, malignant osteopetrosis (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).

Interferon gamma-1b was investigated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with mild-to-moderate lung function impairment in the INSPIRE study; the study was terminated early when interim data analysis indicated lack of benefit in patients receiving the drug. Interim analysis also indicated that 14.5% of patients receiving interferon gamma 1-b died compared with 12.7% of those receiving placebo.

Interferon gamma-1b is not approved for use in patients with IPF. FDA suggests that health-care professionals should discuss the results of this trial with their patients receiving the drug for IPF and carefully consider whether they should continue to receive treatment with interferon gamma-1b.