HOW TO TAKE ACTIMMUNEYour ACTIMMUNE Treatment

ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) is a medicine that is injected under the skin. It helps lower the risk of serious infections* related to CGD. This means you may spend less time in the hospital and more time enjoying your life. ACTIMMUNE works best when you take it exactly as your doctor told you to. Learn more at ACTIMMUNE.com.

Injection tips and information

  • Taken three times a week, at the same time each day
  • May be self-injected or given by a caregiver
  • Should be refrigerated (not frozen)
  • An unused vial of ACTIMMUNE can be stored at room temperature up to 12 hours prior to use. Discard vials if not used within 12 hour period

*An infection is serious if you have to go to the hospital and/or get intravenous (IV) antibiotics.


Step-by-step instructions for taking ACTIMMUNEDownload PDF


See how to measure each dose, where to inject, and how to give an injection

Patients How To Video
Read Transcript

Hi, I'm Randy, and I'm going to show you how I take ACTIMMUNE®. And believe me, if I can get comfortable with self-injecting, you can too.

When you first start ACTIMMUNE®, your doctor or a nurse will show you how to inject. If you ever have questions, that's who to call first.

You should also read the Patient/Caregiver Information that came with your ACTIMMUNE®. Don't try to inject until you've been trained and told you're good to go.

Think of this video as a refresher—a little reminder on how to give an injection. OK? Let's get started.

The first thing you do is lay out all your supplies on a clean surface. I like to take the vial out of the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand, so it has time to get up to room temperature.

Always look over the vial. If it's past the expiration date or if it looks cloudy, don't use it. And don't ever shake the vial.

In addition to your vial of ACTIMMUNE®, you'll need alcohol swabs or alcohol-soaked cotton balls and a syringe and needle. Also a Sharps Container, which you'll need for disposing of the syringe and needle later.

Always wash your hands with soap before measuring your dose of ACTIMMUNE®.

I take off the red cap from the vial, then I wipe the top with an alcohol swab. I take the syringe out of its package. Leaving on the plastic needle guard, I draw air into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger. I pull it back just to the mark for the dose of ACTIMMUNE® my doctor told me to take.

I take off the needle guard and set it aside for the moment.

Holding the vial upright, I carefully stick the needle in through the rubber top. Gently, I push the plunger down all the way so the air goes into the vial.

I hold the vial upside down with one hand, and with the other hand, I slowly pull the plunger out to the mark for the dose of ACTIMMUNE® my doctor told me to take, drawing the correct amount of medicine into the syringe.

I take the needle out and replace the needle guard. So, I've measured my dose and I'll inject in just a moment, but first I'm going to select an injection site.

It's important to rotate the site with every injection, so that the skin has time to heal. The usual injection sites are the thighs, the belly and the upper arms. My doctor told me to look for a place with some fat in it, which minimizes discomfort. If you select the belly, make sure you inject at least 2 inches away from the belly button.

First, I clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.

I remove the needle guard, then I hold the syringe, sort of like a pencil. With my other hand, I squeeze the skin to be injected between my fingers. I try to relax, then I put the needle in with a quick, firm motion. It should go in at about a 45-degree angle.

Now that the needle is in, I pull back on the plunger just a little to see if blood comes into the syringe. There's no blood in the syringe, so I'm ready to inject. But if I had seen blood, I would have removed the needle from my skin and tried again at another location.

Withdraw the needle quickly. Then apply pressure for a few seconds with a cotton ball or gauze.

I've given the injection, but I'm not done until I've disposed of everything the right way. It's important to replace the needle guard and toss the needle and syringe in your sharps container.

And finally, you need to dispose of any unused ACTIMMUNE® the way your doctor told you to.

Now you're done. Good job!

Now to help me keep track, I like to record the time and the location of the injection on this injection site calendar.

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE® are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE may help with some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information and Important Safety Information available on this website. Please read the Information for Patients/Caregivers and consult your healthcare professional before giving an injection of ACTIMMUNE®.

Even after your doctor has trained you, being nervous about injecting ACTIMMUNE® is totally normal. But trust me, it really does get better with practice.

If you want to review any of the steps in this process, please click the chapter titles at right. I hope this video helps you become more comfortable with injecting. And if you still have questions, call your doctor.

Caregivers How To Video
Read Transcript

I was extremely nervous giving my son the injection for the first time. I was afraid I was going to hurt him, I didn't like needles myself and he had been through so much already. But after the nurse educator showed us how to do it, I completed that first injection and now it's part of our routine.

Hi, I'm Jeannie, and I'm Thaddaeus and I have been taking ACTIMMUNE® for two years and if I can get comfortable with it, you can too.

When you first start ACTIMMUNE®, your doctor or a nurse will show you how to inject. If you ever have questions, that's who you should call first. You should also read the Patient/Caregiver Information that came with your ACTIMMUNE®. Don't try to inject until you've been trained and told you're good to go.

Let's get started.

Before we can begin the injection, we need do a few things.

I like to take the vial out of the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand, so it has time to get up to room temperature.

It's important to always look the vial over. If it's past the expiration date or if its content looks cloudy, don't use it. And don't ever shake the vial.

In addition to your vial of ACTIMMUNE®, you'll need alcohol swabs or alcohol-soaked cotton balls, and a syringe and needle. Also a sharps container, which you'll need for disposing of the syringe and needle later.

Always wash your hands with soap before measuring your dose of ACTIMMUNE®.

Take the red cap off the vial, then wipe the top with your alcohol swab.

Next, take the syringe out of its package. Leaving on the plastic needle guard, draw air into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger. I pull it back to the mark for the dose of ACTIMMUNE® our doctor told us to take.

Then take off the needle guard, and set it aside for the moment.

Holding the vial upright, carefully stick the needle in through the rubber top and push the plunger down all the way so the air goes into the vial.

Now hold the vial upside down with one hand, and with the other hand, slowly pull the plunger out to the mark for the dose of ACTIMMUNE® your doctor told you to take, drawing the correct amount of medicine into the syringe.

Finally, take the needle out and replace the needle guard.

Now that we've measured our dose, we have to select an injection site. It's important to rotate the site with every injection so that the skin has time to recover.

The usual injection sites are the thighs, the belly and the upper arms. Our doctor told us to look for a place that's padded by some fat underneath the skin, which helps reduce any pain. If you select the belly, make sure you inject at least 2 inches away from the belly button.

You have to work together on what works and what doesn't work. We only do injections in the thighs because he's not comfortable with the belly or the upper arms.

Now we're ready to inject ACTIMMUNE®. First, I sterilize the injection site with an alcohol swab. Then I remove the needle guard as I hold the syringe just like a pencil.

With my other hand, I gently squeeze the skin to be injected between my fingers to form a soft fold. I tell Thaddeaus to try to relax as much as he can and then I push the needle in with a quick, firm motion at about a 45-degree angle.

Now that the needle is in, I pull back on the plunger just a little to see if blood comes into the syringe. See, there's no blood in the syringe, so I'm ready to inject. But if I had seen blood, I would have removed the needle from his skin and tried again at another location.

Slowly inject the ACTIMMUNE® by gently pushing the plunger until the syringe is empty. This should take just a few seconds.

Withdraw the needle quickly. Then apply pressure for a few seconds with a cotton ball or gauze. Then put a bandage on, and that's it.

Now my injection is done and I'm back in action, we just need to dispose of everything properly.

It's important to replace the needle guard and toss the needle and syringe in your sharps container.

And finally, dispose of any unused ACTIMMUNE® the way your doctor told you to. Now we're done!

Even after your doctor has taken you through the steps, being nervous about injecting is totally normal. But trust me, it gets easier with practice.

At first I was scared of taking my Actimmune® but now I've been practicing and it gets easier.

I'm extremely proud of the way Thaddeaus handles this. We've come a long way, he's starting to learn how to do each step. He's got to own this part of managing his disease.

If you want to review any of these steps again, please refer to the chapters listed on the screen.

I hope this video helps you get more comfortable. And if you still have questions, call your doctor.

By the way, the Amgen Support Network will give you a sharps container at no cost. Call the number on the screen to reach a program coordinator.

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE® are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE® may help with some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information and Important Safety Information available on this website. Please read the Information for Patients/Caregivers and consult your healthcare professional before giving an injection of ACTIMMUNE®.

Occasionally, a problem may develop at an injection site. Call your doctor or nurse if you see a lump, swelling, or bruising that doesn't go away, or any signs of infection, such as pus, hot skin, or pain that does not go away.

Choosing an injection site

When injecting ACTIMMUNE, choose a site that’s padded by some fat below the skin. Look for places like the thighs, back of the upper arm, or abdomen (stomach area). You should also change the site with every injection. This gives the skin time to heal.

Stay on ACTIMMUNE to help prevent serious infection

It is important to stay on track with your treatment. At any time, if you have questions about how to take ACTIMMUNE, call your doctor or healthcare professional.

  • Stay on schedule
  • Take at bedtime
  • Switch sites

Use this tool to track the days and sites of your injectionsDownload PDF


Learn more about how to get ACTIMMUNE

Join a community of other ACTIMMUNE patients

Important Safety Information

What is ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) used for?

ACTIMMUNE® is part of a drug regimen used to treat Chronic Granulomatous Disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. CGD is often treated (though not cured) with antibiotics, antifungals, and ACTIMMUNE.

ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.

When should I not take ACTIMMUNE?

Don’t use ACTIMMUNE if you are allergic to interferon-gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any ingredients contained in the product.

What warnings should I know about ACTIMMUNE?

At high doses, ACTIMMUNE can cause (flu-like) symptoms, which may worsen some pre-existing heart conditions.

ACTIMMUNE may cause decreased mental status, walking disturbances, and dizziness, particularly at very high doses. These symptoms are usually reversible within a few days upon dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.

Bone marrow function may be suppressed with ACTIMMUNE, and decreased production of cells important to the body may occur. This effect, which can be severe, is usually reversible when the drug is discontinued or the dose is reduced.

Taking ACTIMMUNE may cause reversible changes to your liver function, particularly in patients less than 1 year old. Your doctor should monitor your liver function every 3 months, and monthly in children under 1 year.

In rare cases, ACTIMMUNE can cause severe allergic reactions and/or rash. If you experience a serious reaction to ACTIMMUNE, discontinue it immediately and contact your doctor or seek medical help.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or plan to nurse
  • have a cardiac condition such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or decreased blood flow to your heart
  • have a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders
  • have, or have had, reduced bone marrow function. Your doctor will monitor these cells with blood tests at the beginning of therapy and at 3-month intervals on ACTIMMUNE therapy

What are the side effects of ACTIMMUNE?

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE may help reduce some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

What other medications might interact with ACTIMMUNE?

Some drugs may interact with ACTIMMUNE to potentially increase the risk of damage to your heart or nervous system, such as certain chemotherapy drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Avoid taking ACTIMMUNE at the same time as a vaccination.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about ACTIMMUNE with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labeling can be found at http://www.ACTIMMUNE.com or 1-866-479-6742.

Important Safety Information

What is ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) used for?

ACTIMMUNE® is part of a drug regimen used to treat Chronic Granulomatous Disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. CGD is often treated (though not cured) with antibiotics, antifungals, and ACTIMMUNE.

ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.

When should I not take ACTIMMUNE?

Don’t use ACTIMMUNE if you are allergic to interferon-gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any ingredients contained in the product.

What warnings should I know about ACTIMMUNE?

At high doses, ACTIMMUNE can cause (flu-like) symptoms, which may worsen some pre-existing heart conditions.

ACTIMMUNE may cause decreased mental status, walking disturbances, and dizziness, particularly at very high doses. These symptoms are usually reversible within a few days upon dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.

Bone marrow function may be suppressed with ACTIMMUNE, and decreased production of cells important to the body may occur. This effect, which can be severe, is usually reversible when the drug is discontinued or the dose is reduced.

Taking ACTIMMUNE may cause reversible changes to your liver function, particularly in patients less than 1 year old. Your doctor should monitor your liver function every 3 months, and monthly in children under 1 year.

In rare cases, ACTIMMUNE can cause severe allergic reactions and/or rash. If you experience a serious reaction to ACTIMMUNE, discontinue it immediately and contact your doctor or seek medical help.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or plan to nurse
  • have a cardiac condition such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or decreased blood flow to your heart
  • have a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders
  • have, or have had, reduced bone marrow function. Your doctor will monitor these cells with blood tests at the beginning of therapy and at 3-month intervals on ACTIMMUNE therapy

What are the side effects of ACTIMMUNE?

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE may help reduce some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

What other medications might interact with ACTIMMUNE?

Some drugs may interact with ACTIMMUNE to potentially increase the risk of damage to your heart or nervous system, such as certain chemotherapy drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Avoid taking ACTIMMUNE at the same time as a vaccination.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about ACTIMMUNE with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labeling can be found at http://www.ACTIMMUNE.com or 1-866-479-6742.

Important Safety Information

What is ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) used for?

ACTIMMUNE® is part of a drug regimen used to treat Chronic Granulomatous Disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. CGD is often treated (though not cured) with antibiotics, antifungals, and ACTIMMUNE.

ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.

When should I not take ACTIMMUNE?

Don’t use ACTIMMUNE if you are allergic to interferon-gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any ingredients contained in the product.

What warnings should I know about ACTIMMUNE?

At high doses, ACTIMMUNE can cause (flu-like) symptoms, which may worsen some pre-existing heart conditions.

ACTIMMUNE may cause decreased mental status, walking disturbances, and dizziness, particularly at very high doses. These symptoms are usually reversible within a few days upon dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.

Bone marrow function may be suppressed with ACTIMMUNE, and decreased production of cells important to the body may occur. This effect, which can be severe, is usually reversible when the drug is discontinued or the dose is reduced.

Taking ACTIMMUNE may cause reversible changes to your liver function, particularly in patients less than 1 year old. Your doctor should monitor your liver function every 3 months, and monthly in children under 1 year.

In rare cases, ACTIMMUNE can cause severe allergic reactions and/or rash. If you experience a serious reaction to ACTIMMUNE, discontinue it immediately and contact your doctor or seek medical help.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or plan to nurse
  • have a cardiac condition such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or decreased blood flow to your heart
  • have a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders
  • have, or have had, reduced bone marrow function. Your doctor will monitor these cells with blood tests at the beginning of therapy and at 3-month intervals on ACTIMMUNE therapy

What are the side effects of ACTIMMUNE?

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE may help reduce some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

What other medications might interact with ACTIMMUNE?

Some drugs may interact with ACTIMMUNE to potentially increase the risk of damage to your heart or nervous system, such as certain chemotherapy drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Avoid taking ACTIMMUNE at the same time as a vaccination.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about ACTIMMUNE with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labeling can be found at http://www.ACTIMMUNE.com or 1-866-479-6742.

Important Safety Information

What is ACTIMMUNE® (Interferon gamma-1b) used for?

ACTIMMUNE® is part of a drug regimen used to treat Chronic Granulomatous Disease, or CGD. CGD is a genetic disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that affects some cells of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. CGD is often treated (though not cured) with antibiotics, antifungals, and ACTIMMUNE.

ACTIMMUNE is also used to slow the worsening of severe, malignant osteopetrosis (SMO). SMO is a genetic disorder that affects normal bone formation and is usually diagnosed in the first few months after birth.

When should I not take ACTIMMUNE?

Don’t use ACTIMMUNE if you are allergic to interferon-gamma, E. coli-derived products, or any ingredients contained in the product.

What warnings should I know about ACTIMMUNE?

At high doses, ACTIMMUNE can cause (flu-like) symptoms, which may worsen some pre-existing heart conditions.

ACTIMMUNE may cause decreased mental status, walking disturbances, and dizziness, particularly at very high doses. These symptoms are usually reversible within a few days upon dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.

Bone marrow function may be suppressed with ACTIMMUNE, and decreased production of cells important to the body may occur. This effect, which can be severe, is usually reversible when the drug is discontinued or the dose is reduced.

Taking ACTIMMUNE may cause reversible changes to your liver function, particularly in patients less than 1 year old. Your doctor should monitor your liver function every 3 months, and monthly in children under 1 year.

In rare cases, ACTIMMUNE can cause severe allergic reactions and/or rash. If you experience a serious reaction to ACTIMMUNE, discontinue it immediately and contact your doctor or seek medical help.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or plan to nurse
  • have a cardiac condition such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or decreased blood flow to your heart
  • have a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders
  • have, or have had, reduced bone marrow function. Your doctor will monitor these cells with blood tests at the beginning of therapy and at 3-month intervals on ACTIMMUNE therapy

What are the side effects of ACTIMMUNE?

The most common side effects with ACTIMMUNE are “flu-like” symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, or fatigue, which may decrease in severity as treatment continues. Bedtime administration of ACTIMMUNE may help reduce some of these symptoms. Acetaminophen may be helpful in preventing fever and headache.

What other medications might interact with ACTIMMUNE?

Some drugs may interact with ACTIMMUNE to potentially increase the risk of damage to your heart or nervous system, such as certain chemotherapy drugs. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

Avoid taking ACTIMMUNE at the same time as a vaccination.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn more, talk about ACTIMMUNE with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labeling can be found at http://www.ACTIMMUNE.com or 1-866-479-6742.