Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat emphysema caused by alpha₁-antitrypsin deficiency.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have IgA deficiency.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Check blood pressure and heart rate as the doctor has told you.
Dizziness may happen after a dose of this drug. Be sure to rest for a while after getting a dose.
Allergic side effects may rarely happen.
Your doctor will give you another drug (epinephrine) to use in case of an allergic reaction. Someone else may have to give you the shot. Be sure you and other people who may need to give the shot know how and when to use it. Certain drugs may make epinephrine not work as well or raise the chance of side effects. This includes some drugs used to treat depression, heart problems, or high blood pressure. There are many drugs that interact with epinephrine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is safe to take epinephrine with all of your drugs.
This drug is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may have viruses that may cause disease. This drug is screened, tested, and treated to lower the chance that it carries an infection. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
Flushing.
Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Feeling confused.
Fever.
Shortness of breath.
Redness or white patches in mouth or throat.
Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
Coughing.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Headache.
Signs of a common cold.
Sinus pain.
Runny nose.
Sore throat.
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
Diarrhea.
Muscle pain.
Upset stomach.
Back pain.
Irritation where this drug was used.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
Wash your hands before use.
Wear gloves when preparing and giving a dose.
Different brands of this drug may be clear or have a slight color. Be sure you know what your brand needs to look like when ready to use. Do not use if the solution changes color. If you are not sure, talk with the pharmacist.
Do not mix with any other liquid drugs.
Do not shake.
Each vial is for one use only. Throw away any part not used after the dose is given.
Keep track of each infusion. Write down the product lot number and expiration date. Write down the date, the time the infusion started and ended, where the infusion was used, and any side effects you had.
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Solution for injection:
If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Do not heat this drug.
This product is clear but may contain a few particles. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has more than a few particles.
Use within 3 hours of putting a needle into the vial.
Powder for injection:
This drug needs to be mixed before use. Follow how to mix as you were told by the doctor.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
After mixing, you may store at room temperature for 3 hours.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Solution for injection:
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 30 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 30 days, throw this drug away.
Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
Powder for injection:
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
All products:
Store in the original container to protect from light.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor: Patient drug information