Prolastin (Alpha) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Prolastin

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

Often patien...

Read the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease article »

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Prolastin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin)?

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.

Before you receive alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, tell your doctor about all of your medication conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

How should I use alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin)?

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is usually given once per week. Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. 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.

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.

You will need to mix alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. After mixing alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor with a diluent, you must use the medicine within 3 hours. It is best not to mix your alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor dose until you are ready to give the injection. The mixture should look clear or slightly yellow-green and may have a few small particles in it.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. You may gently swirl the medication while mixing.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store the Aralast brand of this medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Store Prolastin or Zemaira at cool room temperature (no warmer than 77 degrees F), away from moisture and heat. Aralast may also be stored at room temperature but you must use it within 30 days after removing it from the refrigerator.

Do not use this medication after the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.

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