Actimmune Side Effects

Generic name: interferon gamma-1b

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 15, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about interferon gamma-1b. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Actimmune.

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: solution.

Serious side effects of Actimmune

Along with its needed effects, interferon gamma-1b (the active ingredient contained in Actimmune) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking interferon gamma-1b:

More common

• Chills
• fever

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine or stools
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• loss of balance control
• lower back or side pain
• mask-like face
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• shuffling walk
• sore throat
• stiffness of the arms or legs
• trembling and shaking of the hands and fingers
• trouble breathing
• trouble speaking or swallowing
• trouble thinking or concentrating
• trouble walking
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness
• change in walking and balance
• clay colored stools
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• decreased frequency or amount of urine
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• increased thirst
• itching or skin rash
• joint or muscle pain
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea and vomiting
• numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• redness and soreness of the eyes
• runny nose
• shivering skin
• sweating
• swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
• trouble sleeping
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Actimmune

Some side effects of interferon gamma-1b may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea
• redness or tenderness at the injection site

Less common

• Back pain
• dizziness
• weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain

Frequency not reported: Pancreatitis, GI hemorrhage^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Injection site pain^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia, atrioventricular block, transient ischemic attack, deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, syncope^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache

Frequency not reported: Convulsions, Parkinsonian gait, Parkinsonian rest tremor, gait disturbance^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, bronchospasm, tachypnea, chest discomfort^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Renal

Frequency not reported: Renal failure, proteinuria^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia, arthralgia, back pain

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Depression

Frequency not reported: Confusion, disorientation, hallucination^[Ref]

Hepatic

Very common (10% or more): Hepatic enzymes increased^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fever, chills, fatigue^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer