Treats emphysema (a lung disorder). Also called alpha-1 PI, alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT.
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Prolastin, Zemaira, Aralast |
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| | Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor
Prolastin, Zemaira, Aralast Uses
Treats emphysema (a lung disorder). Also called alpha-1 PI, alpha-1 antitrypsin, or AAT. Storage
- Store the medicine in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze the medicine or bottles of sterile water used to mix with the medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
How
To Use - APPEARANCE: Injectable.
The medicine is given through a tube that goes directly into a blood vein (intravenous, or IV).
Before you use this medicine, you should be trained to use IV equipment and know how to mix the powder in sterile water.
- Otherwise, your medicine should be given by your home health caregiver.
When it is time for your treatment, bring the medicine and sterile water to room temperature.
Mix the medicine and sterile water as you have been taught.
After you have mixed the medicine, use it within 3 hours.
- Do not refrigerate the medicine after it has been prepared for your treatment.
Before you start your treatment, look at the liquid in the bag or bottle.
- If you see any specks or solid pieces in the bag or bottle, you should not use it.
- Prepare a new dose of the medicine.
Side
Effects - Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Wheezing or chest tightness
Hives or rash
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (alpha-1 PI).
- Patients that have too little IgA (immunoglobulin A, a part of the immune system) should not be given alpha-1 PI.
Missed
Dose - Try not to miss a dose.
- If possible, have other family members trained to give your treatment in case you are unable to give it yourself.
If you do miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug
Interactions - Check with your doctor before taking alpha-1 PI if you have heart disease or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Alpha-1 PI is taken from human blood that has been tested for viruses and treated to prevent the spread of infections.
- The risk of getting an infection from alpha-1 PI is very low, but cannot be completely eliminated.
- As a precaution, you should be given a hepatitis B vaccine before receiving this medicine.
If there is not enough time for the vaccine to start working before your treatments begin, you may be given both a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin and a hepatitis B vaccine.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |