Aralast NP

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

Usage of Aralast NP

Aralast NP 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).

Aralast NP is used to treat alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in people with symptoms of emphysema.

Aralast NP will not cure alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, and may not slow the progression of emphysema.

Aralast NP may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP.

Aralast NP may cause serious side effects. Stop using Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP

You should not use Aralast NP if:

you've had a severe allergic reaction to an Aralast NP; 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.

Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP

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

Aralast NP 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.

Be sure you understand how to properly mix the powder form of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture.

Glassia is a liquid form of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor that is not mixed with a diluent.

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.

Store Aralast, Prolastin, or Zemaira at cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Use within 3 hours after mixing.

Store Glassia in the original carton in the refrigerator. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before preparing your dose.

Once Glassia has reached room temperature, you must use it within 1 month. Do not return it to a refrigerator.

Do not freeze Aralast NP, and do not use it past the expiration date on the medicine label.

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

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 Aralast NP

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

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.