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Overview: Aralast NP 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, sore muscles or joints, nausea, and runny nose. Serious infections and allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Uses

What is Aralast NP used for?

Aralast NP (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).

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

How does Aralast NP 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. Aralast NP works by increasing the amount of the AAT protein in your body. This helps protect your lungs from damage. 

Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aralast NP

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.5 g, 1 g single-dose vials

How should I store Aralast NP?

Aralast NP is usually given by a health care provider in your home, a hospital, or clinic. If you or a caregiver will store Aralast NP at home, it should be stored in the original carton to protect it from light at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C). Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Aralast NP?

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

  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Bruises near the injection site
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose

There may be other side effects of Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aralast NP may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Aralast NP 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. Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP?

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

  • Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
  • Aralast NP
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Aralast NP.

IgA Antibodies. Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP before using it?

Aralast NP is usually given into one of your veins as an infusion by a health care provider in your home, a hospital, or clinic.

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

If you will get Aralast NP at home, keep it out of the reach of children. As Aralast NP may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Aralast NP?

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 Aralast NP is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Aralast NP?

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

Interactions

Does Aralast NP interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Aralast NP and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Aralast NP. 

Does Aralast NP interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Aralast NP 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 Aralast NP?

If you or someone else has used too much Aralast NP, 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 Aralast NP?

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

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