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.
Once you’ve started taking ACTIMMUNE, it’s important to create a schedule and follow the tips outlined below. If at any time you have questions about how to take ACTIMMUNE, talk to your doctor or Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE). You can also watch the ACTIMMUNE injection videos at any time for a refresher.
Take ACTIMMUNE 3 times a week at the same time each day to get the best results. For example, if you choose Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 PM as your injection days and time, make sure this schedule stays the same over the next few months so that it becomes routine.
Consider taking ACTIMMUNE just before going to bed. This can help with some of the flu-like side effects. Taking acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®) may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.
Change the injection site every time and use a different area on the body for each injection. Doing this helps the skin heal before the same site is used again. It also helps keep possible side effects to a minimum.
What are the steps for shifting ACTIMMUNE injections from caregiver to patient? Visit CGDConnections.com for more information on how to prepare for that change in care. Hear from one family about how they made that transition successfully.
Read the full video transcript
Since I was young, my parents have been always been trying to tell me and remind me about CGD. They have been extremely vigilant, very active with helping me and caring for me.
We started giving Evan the ACTIMMUNE injections when he was very young, around 2 years old.
Important: Don’t take ACTIMMUNE until a healthcare professional has given you detailed instructions and shown you how. It’s important to take ACTIMMUNE exactly as your doctor told you to. The most common side effects seen with ACTIMMUNE are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or tiredness. These may decrease as treatment continues. See the full Important Safety Information for ACTIMMUNE.
*An infection is serious if you have to go to the hospital and/or get intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Your chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) care team could include different specialists and may change over time. Use the CGD Specialist Finder to locate the support you need.
When living with a rare condition, it can be helpful to know you’re not alone. Hear stories about taking ACTIMMUNE and more.
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.