Interferon Gamma and Zerlor

• 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.

• Generic Name: acetaminophen / caffeine / dihydrocodeine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Dvorah, Panlor Tablet, Trezix, Panlor DC, Panlor SS, Zerlor

Acetaminophen, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine combination is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage. Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. Dihydrocodeine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

When dihydrocodeine is used for a long time or in large doses, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.