Getting tested for Alpha-1 is easy. It is diagnosed with simple blood tests. Find out about a free Talecris AlphaKit you can get from your doctor.

Symptoms and Diseases Caused by Alpha-1

One reason Alpha-1 is so seldom diagnosed is that the symptoms of Alpha-1-induced lung disease are identical to those of other common lung diseases such as emphysema, asthma, and COPD.

In people with Alpha-1, lung symptoms appear between the ages of 30 and 60. If you’re a smoker with Alpha-1, you could develop symptoms 10 years earlier than a nonsmoker.1

Common signs & symptoms of Alpha-1 include:2

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic cough and phlegm production (bronchitis)
  • Recurring chest colds or pneumonia
  • Low tolerance for exercise
  • Non-responsive asthma or year‐round allergies
  • Chronic widening of the bronchial tubes (bronchiectasis)
  • Family history of lung and/or liver disease

Alpha-1 and lung disease

If you are an Alpha, you have too much neutrophil elastase (an enzyme that can damage your lungs) and not enough AAT (an enzyme that can protect your lungs from excess neutrophil elastase).

Over time, untreated Alpha-1 can cause lung disease, including emphysema.

Learn more about Alpha‑1 lung disease at the Web site of the Alpha‑1 Foundation, dedicated to finding a cure for Alpha-1.

Other clinical manifestations: liver diseases

Liver disease is the second most-frequently diagnosed medical problem caused by Alpha‑1. Alpha‑1 can reduce the amount of AAT released from the liver into the bloodstream, which can cause liver disease at all ages.

Learn more about Alpha‑1 liver disease from the Alpha‑1 Foundation.

Other clinical manifestations: skin disease

Panniculitis is a rare skin disease caused by Alpha‑1, and the least known of its complications. Unmediated proteases can damage the layer of fatty, fibrous tissue under the outer layer of skin.

Learn more about Alpha‑1 skin disease from the Alpha‑1 Foundation.



Please talk with your doctor for additional information on Alpha‑1.

next: Emphysema and Alpha‑1 >

Important Safety Information
Prolastin-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is for adults who have emphysema caused by inherited alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The effect of therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Prolastin-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA should not receive Prolastin-C due to the risk of hypersensitivity.

The most common side effects during clinical trials with Prolastin-C were chills, a general feeling of being unwell, headache, rash, hot flush, and itching.

Prolastin-C is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.

Please see accompanying Prolastin-C Full Prescribing Information for complete prescribing details.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
  1. Anthonisen N. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2008:619-626.
  2. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Guide For The Recently Diagnosed Individual. Alpha-1 Foundation. Version 1.6, December 2006.