Free test kit

Up to 25 million Americans are estimated to carry an abnormal Alpha-1 gene1

Many of the estimated 25 million carriers for Alpha-1 have an increased risk of lung disease.1,2 Talk to your doctor about the free Talecris AlphaKit.

Family Testing for Alpha-1

Alpha-1 is a genetic condition. Other members of your family may have the same gene pattern as you. The risk of having Alpha-1 or being a carrier for Alpha-1 is 3 out of 4 if both parents carry the Pi Z gene. If they are carriers for Alpha-1, they could pass it on without even knowing it.

Allele Algorithm

Alpha-1 occurs when a person inherits one abnormal gene from each of his or her parents.

  1. If one of the parents has two abnormal genes (i.e., is an Alpha or Pi ZZ type), then the child has a 100% chance of being a carrier.
  2. If each parent has only one abnormal gene (i.e., is an Alpha carrier), then the child has a 50% chance of being a carrier, a 25% chance of being an Alpha, and a 25% chance of having two normal alleles.

If tests indicate you are an Alpha-1 or a carrier: there are steps you can take to manage your disease, which may reduce your risk of lung disease. Early behavioral management may prevent deterioration of your lung function and reduce your risk of serious lung disease.

Healthcare providers and patients should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of testing before making a final decision.

next: Testing Details for 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. de Serres FJ, Blanco I, Fernández-Bustillo E. Genetic epidemiology of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in North America and Australia/New Zealand: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Clin Genet. 2003:64:382-397.
  2. Yang P, Sun Z, Krowka MJ, Aubry MC, Bamlet WR, Wampfler JA, et al. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency carriers, tobacco smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer risk. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168:1097-1103.