Actimmune Side Effects

Generic name: interferon gamma-1b

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Actimmune.

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: solution Side Effects associated with interferon gamma-1b. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Actimmune.

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine commonly causes flu-like reactions, with aching muscles, fever and chills, and headache. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about taking your temperature, and how much and when to take the acetaminophen to treat fever and pain.

This medicine may cause dizziness, decreased mental status, clumsiness, or trouble walking. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Actimmune® can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

• If you can, avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
• Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
• Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
• Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, difficult or painful urination.

The stopper of the vial contains natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.

While you are being treated with Actimmune® and after you stop using it, do not have any vaccines without your doctor's approval. Actimmune® may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent.

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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to interferon gamma-1b: subcutaneous solution.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• 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]

See also:

Further information

Actimmune side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer