Why is this medicine prescribed?
Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor is used in people with symptoms of emphysema (a lung disease) and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). AATD is an inherited condition in which the body does not make enough of a protein (alpha-1 antitrypsin) needed to protect the lungs from smoke, dust, or pollution. Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor is in a class of medications called blood derivatives. It works by increasing the levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin protein in your blood and lungs.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor comes as a solution (liquid) or as a powder to be mixed with a solution (liquid) to give intravenously (into a vein). It is usually given once a week by a healthcare provider.
Your doctor may allow you or a caregiver to perform the injections at home. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you or the person who will be performing the injections how to prepare and infuse alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor. Before you use alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor injection yourself for the first time, read the written instructions that come with it.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have a deficiency of immunoglobulin A with antibodies to IgA. Your doctor will probably tell you not to receive alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose or an appointment to receive alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, contact your doctor right away.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- runny nose, coughing
- diarrhea
- nausea
- tiredness
- muscle soreness
- bruising or bleeding at the site of injection
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness
- fever, chills, tiredness, and other signs of infection
Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (
1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers are not child resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.