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Overview: Zemaira 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, feeling unusually weak or tired, and common cold symptoms. Serious infections and allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Uses

What is Zemaira used for?

Zemaira (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).

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

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

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

How is Zemaira supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zemaira

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 g, 4 g, 5 g single-dose vials

How should I store Zemaira?

Zemaira is usually given by a health care provider in your home, a hospital, or clinic. If you will store Zemaira at home, store at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C). Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zemaira?

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

  • Headache
  • Bruises or bleeding near the injection site
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, runny nose, or other common cold symptoms
  • Coughing more than usual
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Fever

There may be other side effects of Zemaira 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 Zemaira?

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

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

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

  • Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
  • Zemaira
  • 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 Zemaira.

IgA Antibodies. Zemaira 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 Zemaira before using it?

Zemaira 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 Zemaira with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

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

You may get dizzy after getting a dose of Zemaira. Plan on resting right after you receive a dose. Follow your health care provider’s instructions for when it is okay to get back to your usual activities like driving.

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

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 Zemaira is right for you.

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

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

Breastfeeding.  It is not known if Zemaira 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 Zemaira while breastfeeding

How can I get more information about Zemaira?

For more information about Zemaira, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zemaira.com or call them at 866-936-2472.

Interactions

Does Zemaira interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zemaira.

Does Zemaira interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zemaira 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 Zemaira?

If you or someone else has used too much Zemaira, 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 Zemaira?

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