Medications and Drugs

1. Understanding COPD Slideshow
2. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Quiz
3. Energy Foods for COPD Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira

Generic Name: alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Pronunciation: AL fa 1-PRO tee nase in HIB i tor)

• What is alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What are the possible side effects of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What is the most important information I should know about alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• How should I use alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What should I avoid while taking alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• What other drugs will affect alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is a protein, also called alpha 1-antitrypsin. This protein occurs naturally in the body and is important for preventing the breakdown of tissues in the lungs.

In people who lack the alpha 1-antitrypsin protein, breakdown of lung tissues can lead to emphysema (damage to the air sacs in the lungs).

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

Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic (inherited) disorder and alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor will not cure this condition.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• chest pain, severe headache, buzzing in your ears, uneven heartbeats;
• fast heart rate;
• problems with vision; or
• fever, chills, runny nose, skin rash, and joint pain.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
• cough, sore throat, stuffy nose;
• pain or bleeding where the medication was injected;
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache; or
• mild itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Aralast, Aralast NP, Prolastin, Zemaira)?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, or if you have an IgA deficiency or antibody against IgA.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You will most likely receive your first few doses of this medication in a hospital or clinic setting where your vital signs can be watched closely in case the medication causes serious side effects.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.