Alpha-1-Proteinase Inhibitor Injection

What is this medication?

ALPHA-1-PROTEINASE INHIBITOR (AL fuh wuhn prow tee NAYS uhn HI buh tr) treats emphysema, a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. It works by replacing a protein (alpha-1-antitrypsin) when the body does not make enough. This helps to keep your lungs healthy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aralast, Aralast NP, Glassia, Prolastin, Prolastin C, Zemaira

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Low IgA levels in the blood
• An unusual or allergic reaction to alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It can be given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

If you give yourself this medication at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medication is made from donated human blood. There is a small risk that it may contain bacteria or viruses, such as hepatitis or HIV. All products are processed to kill most bacteria and viruses. Talk to your care team if you have questions about the risk of infection.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, irritation, or bruising at the injection site
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

See product label for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication as instructed or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.