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.
Summary
Common side effects of Actimmune include: fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, chills, erythema at injection site, and tenderness at injection site. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
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]
