Table of Contents

1. What is Actimmune?
2. Do You Need a Prescription for Actimmune?
3. How Does Actimmune Work?
4. Common Side Effects of Actimmune
5. What Should You Not Take with Actimmune?

What is Actimmune?

Actimmune is an FDA-approved medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), severe, malignant osteopetrosis, and berylliosis. It is a recombinant form of interferon gamma-1b, a naturally occurring protein that helps to regulate the immune system. Actimmune is available as a subcutaneous injection and is typically administered once a week.

Actimmune is used to reduce the severity and frequency of infections caused by CGD, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to fight off certain types of bacteria and fungi. It is also used to reduce the severity and frequency of infections caused by berylliosis, a rare lung disease caused by exposure to beryllium, a metal found in certain industrial settings. Actimmune is also used to treat severe, malignant osteopetrosis, a rare bone disorder that causes bones to become brittle and weak.

Do You Need a Prescription for Actimmune?

Yes, Actimmune is a prescription medication and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is not available over-the-counter.

How Does Actimmune Work?

Actimmune works by stimulating the body’s immune system to fight off infections caused by certain bacteria and fungi. It does this by increasing the production of interferon gamma-1b, a naturally occurring protein that helps to regulate the immune system. By increasing the production of this protein, Actimmune helps the body to fight off infections and reduce the severity and frequency of infections caused by CGD, berylliosis, and severe, malignant osteopetrosis.

Common Side Effects of Actimmune

The most common side effects of Actimmune include injection site reactions, fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild and do not require medical attention. However, if any of these side effects become severe or do not go away, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

Other possible side effects of Actimmune include allergic reactions, low white blood cell counts, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.

What Should You Not Take with Actimmune?

You should not take Actimmune with any other medications that contain interferon gamma-1b, as this may increase the risk of side effects. You should also avoid taking Actimmune with any other medications that suppress the immune system, as this may increase the risk of infections. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Indications for Actimmune

Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). CGD is a rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system, causing it to be unable to fight off certain types of infections. SMO is a rare bone disorder that causes bones to become abnormally dense and brittle. Actimmune is a cytokine that works by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight off infections.

Dosage and Administration Recommendations

Actimmune is available in a single-use vial as a sterile, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilized powder. The recommended dosage for CGD is 8 million international units (IU) per kg body weight, administered by subcutaneous injection three times per week. The recommended dosage for SMO is 4 million IU per kg body weight, administered by subcutaneous injection three times per week.

Common Drug Interactions for Actimmune

Actimmune may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and certain cancer drugs. It is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Warnings for Actimmune

Actimmune should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to interferon gamma-1b or any of its components. It should also not be used in patients with severe renal impairment or active liver disease. Actimmune may cause serious side effects, including liver damage, severe allergic reactions, and depression. It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks before starting treatment.

Clinical Pharmacology for Actimmune

Actimmune is a recombinant interferon gamma-1b, a cytokine that is produced naturally in the body. It works by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which helps to fight off infections. It also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Medication Guide

It is important to take Actimmune exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and to report any side effects or changes in your condition.

Conclusion

Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks before starting treatment and to take Actimmune exactly as prescribed. It is also important to report any side effects or changes in your condition to your doctor.