Actimmune

What is Actimmune used for?

• Actimmune is used to fight infections having to do with chronic granulomatous disease.
• It is used to slow the progress of osteopetrosis.

Before taking Actimmune, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Actimmune; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Actimmune with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Actimmune?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Actimmune. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Actimmune affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you have heart disease, talk with your doctor. The flu-like side effects of interferon may be stressful to heart patients.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your urine checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with Actimmune may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
• This medicine may affect fertility. Fertility problems may lead to not being able to get pregnant or father a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Actimmune best taken?

Use Actimmune as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Take at bedtime to help with flu-like signs.
• Do not shake the solution.
• Do not mix Actimmune with other drugs in the same syringe.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not use if solution changes color.
• Each vial is for one use only. Throw away any part not used after the dose is given.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Actimmune that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain.
• Feeling confused.
• Change in balance.
• Trouble walking.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Seizures.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Bruising, lump, or swelling at the injection site that does not go away.
• Low platelet counts have rarely happened with Actimmune. This may lead to a higher chance of bleeding. Call your doctor right away if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Low white blood cell counts have happened with Actimmune. This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.

What are some other side effects of Actimmune?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Muscle pain.
• Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Actimmune?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• If needed, Actimmune can be left out at room temperature for up to 12 hours before use. Throw away any part not used after 12 hours.
• Do not put Actimmune back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Actimmune, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Actimmune or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Actimmune. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.