ACTIMMUNE is used to treat chronic granulomatous disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s risk of serious infection.
ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.
CGD is a rare genetic condition where the immune system doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. People living with CGD are not able to fight off infections from certain bacteria and fungi, which are called pathogens. When white blood cells rush to the site of the infection and then cannot kill it, they build up.
These buildups of white blood cells form lumps called granulomas, which can develop in the bladder, intestines, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. This is how CGD got its name. Watch a video about how white blood cells work in the body.
People with CGD can experience infections that are serious, show up suddenly, and keep coming back. These infections may affect the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, bones, or skin. Common locations for CGD infections and potential symptoms in those areas include:
People with CGD are more likely to get serious, repeat, and often life-threatening infections. See the results in ACTIMMUNE clinical studies.
*An infection is serious if you have to go to the hospital and/or get intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Once prescribed ACTIMMUNE, you will be connected with Amgen By Your Side, a one-on-one support team to answer questions and help build confidence with treatment.
Your care team could include different specialists. Use the CGD Specialist Finder to locate the support you need.
ACTIMMUNE is used to treat chronic granulomatous disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively.
ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.
Do not use ACTIMMUNE if you are allergic to interferon gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any ingredients contained in the product.
ACTIMMUNE can cause flu-like symptoms. At high doses, the resulting symptoms may worsen some pre-existing heart conditions.
ACTIMMUNE may cause decreased mental status, such as confusion, depression, and hallucinations. It may also cause difficulty walking and dizziness, particularly at high doses. These symptoms usually resolve a few days after reducing the amount of ACTIMMUNE you take, or if you are no longer taking it at all, as prescribed by your doctor.
Use of ACTIMMUNE may affect bone marrow function and may limit the production of cells important to your body. This can be severe and usually goes away after reducing the amount of ACTIMMUNE you take or if you stop taking it entirely as prescribed by your doctor.
Taking ACTIMMUNE may cause reversible changes to your liver function, particularly in patients less than 1 year old. Your doctor should monitor your liver function every 3 months, and monthly in children under 1 year of age.
In rare cases, ACTIMMUNE can cause severe allergic reactions and/or rash. If you experience a serious reaction to ACTIMMUNE, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Tell your doctor if you:
The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE are "flu-like" symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease the longer you take ACTIMMUNE. Taking ACTIMMUNE at bedtime may help with these symptoms, and acetaminophen may help prevent fever and headache.
Some drugs, like certain chemotherapy drugs, may interact with ACTIMMUNE and could make it more likely that your heart or nervous system could be damaged. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
Avoid taking ACTIMMUNE at the same time as a vaccination.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about ACTIMMUNE with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labeling can be found at www.ACTIMMUNE.com or 1-866-479-6742.
ACTIMMUNE is used to treat chronic granulomatous disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively.