Treats emphysema (a lung disorder). Also called alpha-1 PI, alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT.
Brand Names:
Prolastin, Zemaira, Aralast
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (alpha-1 PI). Patients that have too little IgA (immunoglobulin A, a part of the immune system) should not be given alpha-1 PI.
Uses:
Injectable
The medicine is given through a tube that goes directly into a blood vein (intravenous, or IV).
Before you use this medicine, you should be trained to use IV equipment and know how to mix the powder in sterile water. Otherwise, your medicine should be given by your home health caregiver.
When it is time for your treatment, bring the medicine and sterile water to room temperature.
Mix the medicine and sterile water as you have been taught.
After you have mixed the medicine, use it within 3 hours. Do not refrigerate the medicine after it has been prepared for your treatment.
Before you start your treatment, look at the liquid in the bag or bottle. If you see any specks or solid pieces in the bag or bottle, you should not use it. Prepare a new dose of the medicine.
If a dose is missed:
Try not to miss a dose. If possible, have other family members trained to give your treatment in case you are unable to give it yourself.
If you do miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Storage:
Store the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the medicine or bottles of sterile water used to mix with the medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Do not mix any other medicine with the alpha-1 PI solution, unless directed by your doctor.
Warnings:
Check with your doctor before taking alpha-1 PI if you have heart disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Alpha-1 PI is taken from human blood that has been tested for viruses and treated to prevent the spread of infections. The risk of getting an infection from alpha-1 PI is very low, but cannot be completely eliminated. As a precaution, you should be given a hepatitis B vaccine before receiving this medicine.
If there is not enough time for the vaccine to start working before your treatments begin, you may be given both a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin and a hepatitis B vaccine.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
