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Overview: Glassia is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a health care provider. This medicine is used for lung disease in people with an inherited disorder. The most common side effects are headache and common cold symptoms. Serious infections and allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Uses

What is Glassia used for?

Glassia (alpha-1-proteinase Inhibitor) is commonly used for lung disease (emphysema) in people who have alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (also known as A1-PI deficiency).

Glassia may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Glassia work (mechanism of action)?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an inherited condition where your body does not make enough of the AAT protein. This protein helps protect your lungs. Glassia works by increasing the amount of the AAT protein in your body. This helps protect your lungs from damage. 

Glassia has been shown to raise the levels of AAT in the blood and lungs. Although this may slow the worsening of emphysema in people with AAT deficiency, no studies have been done to confirm this.

How is Glassia supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Glassia

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 g/50 mL in single-dose vials

How should I store Glassia?

If you or a caregiver will store Glassia at home, store the vial in the box until you are ready to use the medicine. Store Glassia in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze. You may keep Glassia at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 1 month. Do not return Glassia to the refrigerator if it has been stored at room temperature.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Glassia?

The most common side effects of Glassia are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, runny nose, or other common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of Glassia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Glassia?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Glassia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glassia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Glassia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Risk of Infection. Glassia is made from human blood and may carry germs, such as viruses, that can cause infections. The drugmaker takes steps to reduce the risk, such as screening donors and testing samples for infections. There is still a small chance you could get an infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following new symptoms. 

  • Fever
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Weakness or general ill feeling
  • Yellowish eyes or skin

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Glassia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Glassia.

  • Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
  • Glassia
  • Any other medicine known as an alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Glassia.

IgA Antibodies. Glassia may contain small amounts of a protein called immunoglobulin A (IgA). This medicine should not be used by people whose bodies do not have enough IgA (IgA deficiency) who also have antibodies that attack IgA. These antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that can attack IgA. This could raise the risk of having a severe allergic reaction. 

What should I know about Glassia before using it?

Do not use Glassia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

If you will use this medicine at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Glassia. Ask your health care provider about an epinephrine pen in case you have an allergic reaction. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Glassia with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Glassia out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Consider using a calendar or app to help you remember when to use Glassia

Glassia may cause a symptom flare-up. Tell your health care provider if you have trouble breathing or other breathing problems that feel different or worse than usual. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Glassia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Glassia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy.  It is not known if or how Glassia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Glasia while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding.  It is not known if Glassia passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Glassia while breastfeeding

How can I get more information about Glassia?

For more information about Glassia, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.glassialiquid.com or call them at 877-825-3327.

Interactions

Does Glassia interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Glassia and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Glassia.

Does Glassia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Glassia and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Glassia?

If you or someone else has used too much Glassia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Glassia?

If you miss an appointment to get your dose of Glassia, call your health care provider’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.

If you use this medicine at home and miss a dose, call your health care provider to find out what you need to do.

Missing doses of Glassia can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses.