Cardiovascular Disorders
ACTIMMUNE® should be used with caution in patients with preexisting cardiac conditions, including ischemia, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmia. Acute and transient “flu-like” symptoms, such as fever and chills, induced by ACTIMMUNE® at doses of 250 mcg/m2/day (greater than 10 times the weekly recommended dose) or higher may exacerbate preexisting cardiac conditions.
Neurologic Disorders
Caution should be exercised when administering ACTIMMUNE® to patients with seizure disorders or compromised central nervous system function. Decreased mental status, gait disturbance, and dizziness have been observed, particularly in patients receiving ACTIMMUNE® doses greater than 250 mcg/m2/day (greater than 10 times the weekly recommended dose). Most of these abnormalities were mild and reversible within a few days upon dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.
Bone Marrow Toxicity
Caution should be exercised when administering ACTIMMUNE® to patients with myelosuppression. Reversible neutropenia and thrombocytopenia that can be severe and may be dose-related have been observed during ACTIMMUNE® therapy.
Hepatic Toxicity
Elevations of AST and/or ALT (up to 25-fold) have been observed during ACTIMMUNE® therapy. The incidence appeared to be higher in patients less than one year of age compared to older children. The transaminase elevations were reversible with reduction in dosage or interruption of ACTIMMUNE® treatment. Patients begun on ACTIMMUNE® before age one year should receive monthly assessments of liver function. If severe hepatic enzyme elevations develop, ACTIMMUNE® dosage should be modified (see full prescribing information).
General Precautions
Isolated cases of acute serious hypersensitivity reactions have been observed in patients receiving ACTIMMUNE®. If such an acute reaction develops the drug should be discontinued immediately and appropriate medical therapy instituted. Transient cutaneous rashes have occurred in some patients following injection but have rarely necessitated treatment interruption.
Dosing and Administration
Please see full prescribing information for Dosing and Administration and dose modification guidelines. Click here to go the full prescribing information.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of patients.
For U.S. resident use only. The product discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries. Please see the full U.S. Prescribing Information (pdf file).
