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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.

Signs & Manifestations of Alpha-1

One reason Alpha-1 is so seldom diagnosed is that its symptoms are identical to those of other common lung diseases. Common signs and symptoms of Alpha-1-related lung disease include:

  • 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

Lung disease

An Alpha with excess neutrophil elastase and insufficient AAT may be initially diagnosed with lung diseases, including:

Learn more about Alpha-1 lung disease from the Alpha-1 Foundation.

Other clinical manifestations: liver disease

Liver disease is the 2nd 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 layers of skin.

Learn more about Alpha-1 and skin disease from the Alpha-1 Foundation.

next: Emphysema 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.