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Diagnosing Alpha1 takes a simple test

Early detection can make a difference. Find out about the free Grifols AlphaKit you can order.

Asthma and Alpha-1

  • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
  • Symptoms include:
  • Wheezing
  • Breathlessness
  • Chest tightness
  • Coughing
  • Increase in sensitivity to various irritants
  • Typically flares up at night or in early morning
  • Episodes associated with airflow obstruction
  • Obstruction is often reversible with treatment
  • Reversibility may be incomplete in some patients1

Is it asthma or Alpha-1?

The frequency of asthma in Alpha-1 patients has been reported to be between 4% to 34%.2 Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as asthma because the symptoms are similar:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic cough
  • Recurring chest colds

Testing early is important and easy

  • The average Alpha patient experiences symptoms for more than 8 years and sees 3 doctors before being correctly diagnosed with Alpha-1.
  • This delay is too long, especially considering the destruction of lung tissue prior to diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis is easy with simple blood tests.

Alpha-1 cannot be diagnosed clinically, but is easy to diagnose with the free Grifols AlphaKit

next: Bronchitis and Alpha-1 >

Important Safety Information

PROLASTIN-C, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults with emphysema due to deficiency of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). The effect of augmentation 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 is not indicated as therapy for lung disease in patients in whom severe Alpha1-PI deficiency has not been established.

PROLASTIN-C may contain trace amounts of IgA. Patients with known antibodies to IgA, which can be present in patients with selective or severe IgA deficiency, have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. PROLASTIN-C is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA.

The most common drug related adverse reactions during clinical trials in ≥ 1% of subjects were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush, and pruritus.

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. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Full Report 2007. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.pdf. Accessed September 29, 2009.
  2. World Health Organization. Bulletin: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. 1997;75(5):397-415.
  3. Campos MA, Wanner A, Zhang G, Sandhaus RA. Trends in the diagnosis of symptomatic patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency between 1968 and 2003. Chest. 2005;128(3):1179-1186.