by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 02, 2010

What is Actimmune?

Actimmune is an injectable drug given for patients with chronic granulomatous disease and for the ones with congenital bone disease, osteopetrosis. Actimmune contains a human protein known as Inteferon Gamma 1b which can fight viral infections in the human body. Thus, the drug will have an immune modulating effect when given to these patients who can have number of effects on the body due to its protein like structure as well as due to its immune modulating effects.

What are the possible side effects of Actimmune?

When considering the side effects, the most dangerous would be the allergic reactions which is relatively rare when compared to other side effects. But, being a possibility, it is always vital that the patient and the care givers keep an eye on these signs such as itching, development of skin rashes such as hives, swelling of the face, lips and the throat, breathing difficulties, chest tightness…etc. If these signs are seen, it is imperative that the patient be taken to an emergency medical treatment unit or call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Apart from the allergic reactions, these patients can also develop side effects such as, unusual bleeding, irregular heartbeat or a fast heart beat, lightheadedness and fainting, flu like symptoms including high fever, fatigue, body aches and chills, sudden weakness of one side of the body including any numbness in any part of the body, unusual weakness…etc and if any one of these symptoms appear, it is vital that you consult your doctor and seek further advice as it may require discontinuation of Actimmune and seek the possibility of using another drug.

Other than the side effects mentioned above, it is possible for Actimmune to display following side effects which are considered to be mild and mainly transient. Thus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, body weakness of mild nature, muscle and joint pains, problems with memory and concentration as well as local signs in relation to the injected site such as redness, pain and swelling can be considered as relatively mild symptoms which should be informed to the doctor if it persist for several days following an injection.

How to reduce the Actimmune related side effects?

It is rather difficult to predict who will develop side effects when taking Actimmune and therefore the best possible option in minimizing the possible drug related side effects would be to discuss with your doctor on the current medical conditions you are having and thus taking an informed decision on going ahead with the treatment which in most instances gives benefit to the patients rather than discomforts.

Lastly, the side effects listed in this article is not at all comprehensive and one needs to refer to the drug information leaflet provided with Actimmune or their physician for more information and possible interactions.

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