Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

Generic name: alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor [ AL-fa-1-PRO-tee-nase-in-HIB-i-tor ]
Brand names: Aralast NP, Glassia, Prolastin-C, Zemaira, Prolastin, Aralast
Dosage forms: intravenous powder for injection (human), intravenous solution (human)
Drug class: Miscellaneous respiratory agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 11, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor?

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is used in adults to treat alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in people with symptoms of emphysema.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your doctor may also prescribe epinephrine to keep with you in case you ever have an allergic reaction to alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a seizure;

• headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);

• cough, wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing; or

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

You may feel dizzy during or after the injection. You may need to rest for a short time afterward.

Common side effects of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor may include:

• cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;

• headache;

• muscle or joint pain;

• tiredness, weakness;

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• diarrhea, nausea; or

• bruising or bleeding where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Prolastin-C, Prolastin, Zemaira, Glassia, Aralast

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor if:

• you've had a severe allergic reaction to an alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor; or

• you have an IgA (immunoglobulin A) deficiency or antibody against IgA.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another breathing disorder; or

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

How is alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is injected into a vein, usually once per week.

Your first dose may be given in a medical setting where any serious side effects can be quickly treated.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Throw away a vial (bottle) after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Follow all storage instructions provided with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency:

60 mg/kg intravenously once a week

Comments:
-Dose ranging studies using efficacy endpoints have not been performed.

Use: Chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with clinical evidence of emphysema due to hereditary deficiency of Alpha 1-Proteinase Inhibitor (alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor?

Other drugs may affect alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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