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Actimmune (interferon gamma-1b) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce how often serious infections happen and how severe they are in people with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).
Actimmune is a type of medication called an interferon. Interferons attach to receptors on cells and start changes inside those cells. Actimmune can help certain white blood cells work better against germs.
The exact way Actimmune helps people with CGD is not fully known. CGD is an inherited primary immunodeficiency condition that affects how certain white blood cells work, which can make it harder for the body to fight germs.
Doctors prescribe Actimmune when people with CGD need help reducing how often serious infections happen and how severe they are.
Actimmune is given as an injection under the skin, usually three times a week. With proper training from the doctor, it can be given at home.
The recommended dose of Actimmune for CGD is based on body size.
For people with a body surface area greater than 0.5 square meters, the recommended dose is 50 micrograms per square meter three times weekly.
For people with a body surface area of 0.5 square meters or less, the recommended dose is 1.5 micrograms per kilogram per dose three times weekly.
Body surface area is a measure of body size based on height and weight. Healthcare providers will use it to help choose the right dose.
If severe reactions occur, a doctor may reduce the dose by 50 percent or pause treatment until the reaction improves.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Actimmune in people with CGD, the most common side effects occurred in at least 2 percent of people. These include:
Actimmune can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Amgen, the manufacturer of Actimmune, offers the Amgen By Your Side program to help individuals understand insurance coverage and access potential financial support options.
Through the program, a Patient Access Liaison (PAL) can help guide you through the insurance process, including explaining your benefits, coverage details, and available support options. The program also provides assistance with benefits investigations and education on prior authorization and appeals.
To learn more, visit the Amgen By Your Side website or call 844-469-4297.
Before starting Actimmune, your doctor will check for blood counts, including platelets. Your doctor will also check your kidney and liver function and do a urine test. These tests are also recommended every three months during treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to interferon gamma, E. coli-derived products, natural rubber or latex, or any ingredients in Actimmune.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Also tell your doctor if you have had seizures, nervous system problems, or heart problems. Your healthcare providers can help monitor your treatment and overall care.
Do not take Actimmune if you have had an allergic reaction to interferon gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any component of the product.
Actimmune is also FDA-approved to delay time to disease progression in severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO).
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Actimmune, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Actimmune for CGD?
In a study of people with CGD, Actimmune lowered the relative risk of serious infection by 67 percent compared with placebo (an inactive treatment).
People taking Actimmune had 14 primary serious infections, compared with 30 in the placebo group. They also had 20 total serious infections, compared with 56 in the placebo group.
People taking Actimmune also had fewer hospital days overall. They had 497 hospital days, compared with 1,493 hospital days for people taking placebo. The average treatment time was 8.9 months per person.
How long does Actimmune take to work for CGD?
In a study of people with CGD, Actimmune helped delay the time to a serious infection compared with placebo.
The study results do not give an exact number of days or weeks for when Actimmune starts to help. In the study, the average treatment time was 8.9 months per person.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Actimmune for CGD?
Before starting Actimmune, and every three months during treatment, doctors recommend certain tests. These include blood counts with differential and platelet counts, blood chemistry tests to check kidney and liver function, and a urine test.
Children younger than 1 year old should have liver function tests checked every month.
Extra monitoring may be needed for people with bone marrow problems, severe kidney problems, advanced liver disease, seizure disorders, nervous system problems, or heart conditions.
On myPIteam, people share their experiences with primary immunodeficiency, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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