Interferon Gamma and Zetonna

• 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: ciclesonide nasal
• Dosage Forms: nasal aerosol, metered
• Other Brand Names: Omnaris, Zetonna

Zetonna (ciclesonide) is a man-made steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Zetonna nasal spray is used to treat nasal symptoms (congestion, sneezing, runny nose) caused by seasonal allergies in adults and children as young as 6 years old. Zetonna is also used to treat nasal symptoms caused by year-round allergies in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Zetonna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.