Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 26, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Aralast
• Aralast NP
• Glassia
• Prolastin
• Prolastin-C
• Zemaira

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Blood Modifier Agent

Uses for alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human

Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor injection, also called alpha 1-PI, is used to treat a certain type of emphysema (a lung condition). The emphysema is caused by the lack of a protein called alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) in the body. Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human replaces the protein when the body does not produce enough.

Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Before using alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor in the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• IgA deficiency with antibodies against IgA—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

Proper use of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor human

A nurse or othe...