[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Interferons](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/interferons/) › Interferon gamma

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Interferons](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/interferons/)

# Interferon gamma

An injected immune activator that reduces serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease and slows severe malignant osteopetrosis.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Interferons](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/interferons/)
- Receptor: Interferon gamma receptor (IFNGR1/IFNGR2)
- ATC code: L03AB03

Also called: interferon gamma-1b

## Mechanism of action

Interferon gamma (type II interferon) binds its own receptor, different from that of interferon alfa and beta, and activates JAK-STAT signalling. Its exact way of working in chronic granulomatous disease and osteopetrosis is not fully known; it is an immunomodulator that activates immune cells, including phagocytes.

- Binds the interferon gamma receptor
- Activates JAK-STAT signalling in immune cells
- Phagocytes are activated
- Fewer serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Injected subcutaneously; not absorbed by mouth

## Indications

- Reducing serious infections in chronic granulomatous disease [Chronic granulomatous disease →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/chronic-granulomatous-disease/)
- Slowing progression of severe malignant osteopetrosis

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, headache, myalgia, fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- Injection site pain and redness

### Serious (rare, important)

- Severe allergic reactions
- Worsening of heart disease, seizures or low blood counts in people who already have them

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to interferon gamma

## Key interactions

**Drugs that suppress the bone marrow**
Additive myelosuppression

## What is monitored

- Laboratory tests ordered by the doctor, including blood counts
- Heart status in people with heart disease
- Seizure control in people with seizure disorders

## Administration and safety

- Subcutaneous injection; sites rotated
- First dose usually given under supervision
- Syringes and vials never reused or shared

## Nursing care

- Teach self-injection and safe disposal
- Suggest bedtime injections and fever control as prescribed
- Teach to report signs of allergy at once

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Human data are limited; the benefit and risk are weighed.

## Memory aid

Interferon GAMMA for «G»ranulomatous disease (chronic granulomatous disease).

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What inherited immune disease is treated with interferon gamma?

Chronic granulomatous disease, to reduce serious infections.

## Does interferon gamma use the same receptor as interferon alfa?

No. It binds the type II (interferon gamma) receptor.

## What bone disease is interferon gamma used for?

Severe malignant osteopetrosis.

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## Related drugs

- [Interferon alfa](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/interferon-alfa/)
- [Interferon beta](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/interferon-beta/)

## Related conditions

- [Chronic granulomatous disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/chronic-granulomatous-disease/)

[← Back to the class: Interferons](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/interferons/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Interferon Gamma-1b Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601152.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L03AB03) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 63 (McGraw Hill, 2023).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/interferon-gamma/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/interferon-gamma/