The Basics
What is Interferon Gamma-1b?
Used to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections in people with chronic granulomatous disease; also used to slow down worsening of their condition in people with severe, malignant osteopetrosis.
Brand names for Interferon Gamma-1b
Na
How Interferon Gamma-1b is classified
Immunologic Adjuvants
Interferon Gamma-1b During Pregnancy
Interferon Gamma-1b pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Interferon Gamma-1b while pregnant
N/A
Taking Interferon Gamma-1b While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Interferon Gamma-1b?
Interferon gamma is a normal component of human milk. No data are available on the use of exogenous interferon gamma 1b during breastfeeding. However, the amounts of the similar drugs, interferon alfa and interferon beta-1a, excreted into milk are very low. Any interferon in breastmilk is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed, except perhaps in neonates. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous interferon-gamma by an average about 10%.[1]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Interferon gamma is a normal component of human milk. No data are available on the use of exogenous interferon gamma 1b during breastfeeding. However, the amounts of the similar drugs, interferon alfa and interferon beta-1a, excreted into milk are very low. Any interferon in breastmilk is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and not absorbed, except perhaps in neonates. Holder pasteurization (62.5 degrees C for 30 minutes) decreases the concentration of endogenous interferon-gamma by an average about 10%.[1]
Possible effects of Interferon Gamma-1b on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Interferon Gamma-1b
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Ewaschuk JB, Unger S, O’Connor DL et al. Effect of pasteurization on selected immune components of donated human breast milk. J Perinatol. 2011;31:593-8. PMID: 21330996
2. Srivastava MD, Srivastava A, Brouhard B et al. Cytokines in human milk. Res Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 1996;93:263-87. PMID: 8896040
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
