Alpha 1-proteinase Inhibitor, Human (Systemic)
Brand Names : Aralast, Prolastin, alpha 1-antitrypsin
Category- Alpha 1
-antitrypsin
replenisher
DescriptionAlpha 1
-proteinase (AL-fa wun PRO-teen-ayce) inhibitor (alpha 1
-PI) is used to treat emphysema caused by the lack
of a certain protein, alpha 1
-antitrypsin, in
the body. This medicine replaces the protein when the body does not produce
enough by itself.
Alpha 1
-PI is prepared from human blood received
from many donors. Each donor's blood is tested for human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus before it is used to prepare this medicine.
Also, alpha 1
-PI is treated with heat to reduce
further the risk of transmission of virus infections. Other processes are
also done to help make the alpha 1
-PI more pure.
However, no procedure has been found to be totally effective in removing viruses
from blood products.
There have not been any reports of hepatitis developing in any patients
receiving alpha 1
-PI. Your doctor may want to
vaccinate you with hepatitis B vaccine before you receive this medicine. In
some cases, there may not be enough time for the vaccine to take effect before
the alpha 1
-PI is given. Therefore, you may
be given hepatitis B immune globulin at the same time that you receive the
hepatitis B vaccine.
Alpha 1
-PI is given once a week. Your doctor
may want you to receive this medicine regularly for a long time. However,
it is not known what the effects of this medicine are when it is used regularly
to treat emphysema caused by lack of alpha 1
-antitrypsin.
Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.
Alpha 1
-PI is administered only by or under
the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following
dosage form:
Parenteral
-
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S. -
In Canada -
Another commonly used name is alpha 1
-antitrypsin
.
|