Type of medicine: alpha1 proteinase inhibitor
Generic and brand names: alpha1 proteinase inhibitor, injection; Aralast NP; Glassia; Prolastin-C; Zemaira
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a large vein) to treat alpha1-proteinase deficiency in people with emphysema.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is usually given by IV infusion (slow drip into a large vein) once a week by your healthcare provider.
Sometimes you can give yourself these infusions or have someone at home give them to you. Your healthcare provider will show you how to infuse this medicine at home. Check the label on the medicine for directions. Be sure you know how to mix and store the medicine, when to use it, and how much medicine to use. Use sterile, disposable syringes, needles, and IV tubing. Use them only once and dispose of them safely, following your provider's instructions.
Try not to miss a dose. Keep all appointments. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine is made from human tissue. It is tested for viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. The risk of getting an infection from this medicine is very low, but it is still possible. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, chills, drowsiness, runny nose, joint pain, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine, light bowel movements, chest pain, tingling in hands or feet.
Other: Headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, flushing, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, injection site reactions (redness, pain), diarrhea, cough.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
