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Overview: Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitors are given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a health care provider. They are used for lung disease in people with an inherited disorder. The most common side effects are headache, sore muscles or joints, common cold symptoms, and coughing more than usual. Serious infections and allergic reactions are rare but possible. Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitors may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how your alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor affects you.

Uses

What is Prolastin-C used for?

Prolastin-C (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).

Prolastin-C may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

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

Prolastin-C 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 Prolastin-C supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Prolastin-C

Dosage forms and strengths

  •  1 g single-dose vials
  • 0.5 g/10 mL, 1 g/20 mL, 1 g/50 mL, 4 g/80 mL in single-dose vials

How should I store Prolastin-C?

Prolastin-C is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Prolastin-C Liquid at home, store it in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze. You may keep Prolastin-C Liquid at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 1 month. Throw Prolastin-C Liquid away if it has been kept at room temperatures for more than 1 month.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Prolastin-C?

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

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, runny nose, or other common cold symptoms
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of Prolastin-C 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 Prolastin-C?

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

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

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Prolastin-C.

  • Alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor
  • Prolastin-C
  • 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 Prolastin-C.

IgA Antibodies. Prolastin-C 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 Prolastin-C before using it?

Prolastin-C is usually given into one of your veins as an infusion by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

If you will get Prolastin-C Liquid at home by a health care provider, keep it out of the reach of children. As Prolastin-C Liquid may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before using Prolastin-C?

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 Prolastin-C is right for you.

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

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Prolastin-C 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 Prolastin-C while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Prolastin-C?

For more information about Prolastin-C, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.prolastin.com/en/patients or call them at 888-474-3657.

Interactions

Does Prolastin-C interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Prolastin-C and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Prolastin-C. 

Does Prolastin-C interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Prolastin-C 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 Prolastin-C?

If you or someone else has used too much Prolastin-C, 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 Prolastin-C?

If you or someone else has used too much Prolastin-C, 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 Prolastin-C?

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

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