Actimmune

What is ACTIMMUNE?

(ACTIMMUNE) This medication is used to reduce the frequency and severity of serious infections due to chronic granulomatous disease, a disorder that runs in families. This drug is often used along with antibiotics to help prevent these serious infections. This medication is also used to slow the worsening of malignant osteopetrosis, another disorder that runs in families, that affects bones, nerves, and blood. This medication is the same as a protein that your body naturally produces (interferon). In the body, it is thought to work by affecting cell function/growth and the body's natural defenses (immune system) in many ways. Adding more interferon may help your body fight off serious infections.

How should I use ACTIMMUNE?

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times weekly (for example, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). This medication is best used in the evening before bedtime to reduce side effects. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Do not shake the solution. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. It is important to change the location of the injection site with each dose to avoid problem areas under the skin. Choose a different injection site with each dose. The thighs and upper arms are recommended sites for the injection. Do not inject into skin that is irritated, sore, or infected. The dosage is based on your body size, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not change the dose or how often you use this medication without your doctor's approval. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each evening that you have a scheduled dose.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take ACTIMMUNE?

Before using interferon, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex found in the packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (such as angina, irregular heartbeat, heart failure), liver disease, seizure disorder, blood cell disorders (such as anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia). This drug may make you tired or cause mental changes. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more tired or cause mental changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Tell your health care professional that you are using this product before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children, especially those younger than 1 year, may be at greater risk for effects on the liver while using this drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with ACTIMMUNE?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs that may affect your immune system (such as cancer chemotherapy, prednisone, cyclosporine), hydroxyurea, theophyllines (such as aminophylline, theophylline).

What if I miss a dose of ACTIMMUNE?

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ACTIMMUNE?

Injection site reactions (pain/swelling/redness), diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, fever, chills, and muscle aches may occur, especially when you first start this medication. These symptoms usually last about 1 day after the injection and improve or go away after a few months of continued use. You can reduce these side effects by injecting this medicine at bedtime and using a fever reducer/pain reliever such as acetaminophen before or after each dose. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: lightheadedness, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, depression), shaking (tremors), trouble walking, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, increasing tiredness, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), black/tarry stools, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest/jaw/left arm pain, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, seizures, pain/redness/swelling of the arms/legs, calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch, coughing up blood. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep ACTIMMUNE?

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. This medication should not be left at room temperature for more than 12 hours before use. If this occurs, do not use the medication and do not put it back into the refrigerator. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.