Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

Generic name: Alpha 1-proteinase Inhibitor
Drug class: Miscellaneous respiratory agents

Usage of Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is a protein (alpha 1-antitrypsin) that occurs naturally in the body and helps prevent breakdown of tissues in the lungs. People who lack this protein because of a genetic deficiency can develop damage to the air sacs in the lungs (emphysema).

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

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor will not cure alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and may not slow the progression 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, rash; confusion, feeling light-headed; fast heartbeats, chest tightness, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your doctor may also prescribe epinephrine (Epi-Pen) 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. Stop using alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor and call your doctor at once if you have:

wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing;

dizziness, severe headache;

a seizure; or

sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

You may feel faint during 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;

weakness;

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

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.

Before taking Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

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 ever had:

liver disease; or

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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.

Relate drugs

How to use Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

Usual Adult Dose for Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency:

60 mg/kg intravenously once a weekComments:-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)

Warnings

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

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.

Disclaimer

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