6 mins read

Overview: Actimmune is injected under the skin to prevent infections in people with a rare immune system disease. It is also used to slow the worsening of a severe bone disease. Common side effects include fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, tiredness, diarrhea, rashes, and redness or tenderness near where the needle went in.

Uses

What is Actimmune used for?

Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b) is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To decrease serious infections in people with an inherited immune deficiency disorder called chronic granulomatous disease (CGD)
  • To slow the progression of an inherited bone condition with high bone density and an increased risk of fractures, called malignant osteopetrosis

Actimmune may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Actimmune work (mechanism of action)?

Actimmune is an interferon. It acts like a natural immune system protein called interferon gamma. Interferon gamma is known to help fight germs. It is thought that Actimmune helps certain immune cells to work better to prevent serious infections. It also seems to improve the function of cells that break down damaged bone tissue (osteoclasts). 

How is Actimmune supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Actimmune

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mcg/0.5 mL single-dose vial

How should I store Actimmune?

Actimmune should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Unopened vials can be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for up to 12 hours before using it. If you do not use the vial within 12 hours, throw it away. Do not put it back in the refrigerator. Do not freeze Actimmune. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Actimmune?

The most common side effects of Actimmune are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fever or chills
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Redness or tenderness near where the needle went in
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle pain 

There may be other side effects of Actimmune that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Actimmune?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Actimmune are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Actimmune may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Actimmune and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Disorders. Actimmune can cause blood disorders, such as low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia). Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, coughing, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding, including nosebleeds
  • Bleeding that is difficult to stop

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Actimmune. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • A hard time catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Actimmune?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Actimmune.

  • Interferon gamma-1b
  • Actimmune
  • Products made from E. coli bacteria
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Actimmune.

What should I know about Actimmune before using it?

Do not use Actimmune unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is injected under the skin, either by you, a caregiver, or a health care provider. You rotate where this medicine is injected. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Actimmune. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Actimmune with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Actimmune, as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children. Since Actimmune should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Your health care provider will monitor you closely while you are using Actimmune. Keep all appointments for follow-up and for labs. 

Actimmune may make it difficult for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if this is a concern. 

Actimmune may cause flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and tiredness. Using Actimmune at bedtime may help with some of these symptoms. Your health care provider may also suggest that you take acetaminophen to help with a fever or headache. 

Actimmune may cause tiredness, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, and disorientation. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Actimmune affects you. If you have any of these side effects, tell your health care provider right away.

Actimmune may cause dizziness, trouble thinking, and a hard time walking, especially at high doses. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of these side effects. 

Call your health care provider if you have any of these problems where the needle went in, especially if they are not going away on their own.

  • Lump or swelling at the site
  • Bruising that does not go away
  • Symptoms of infection such as pus, redness, hot skin, or pain that does not go away.

Actimmune vials are for single use only. Throw away any unused medicine after injecting your dose. Do not reuse needles or syringes. Throw them away in a sharps container.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Actimmune?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Actimmune is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, including ischemia, heart failure, or an abnormal heart rhythm
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Seizures or any nervous system condition

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines at the same time as Actimmune. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you need to get or have scheduled.

Latex Allergy. The stopper on the Actimmune vial contains natural rubber, which is made from latex and may cause allergic reactions in some people. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to latex. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Actimmune could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Actimmune passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Actimmune.

How can I get more information about Actimmune?

For more information about Actimmune, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.actimmune.com or call them at 866-479-6742.

Interactions

Does Actimmune interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Actimmune and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Actimmune. The risk of tiredness or confusion may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Actimmune. 

Does Actimmune interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Actimmune may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Actimmune?

If you or someone else has used too much Actimmune, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Actimmune?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. If you missed a dose and are not sure what to do, call your health care provider.