Advanced Search


Support if you’re a carrier for Alpha-1

Learning that you are a carrier for Alpha-1 may confuse or upset you. It may help you to share your status with your family, learn as much as you can about the effects it can have on your health, and seek support groups or genetic counseling to answer your questions.

Downloadable tools

The following tools help people with Alpha-1 better understand and manage their condition. Check back frequently; new tools are added periodically.

You need the Adobe® Reader® installed on your computer to view PDFs. You can download a copy of the Adobe Reader by clicking the link below.

ADOBE LOGO/LINK

Adobe and Adobe Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

What does it mean to be an Alpha-1 Carrier?

Online Resources

These are support organizations for patients with Alpha-1 in the United States. To see if there is a local chapter or events are in your area, contact the national organization, or ask your doctor.

Alpha-1 Foundation is the only national research organization solely dedicated to developing the means to cure and control Alpha-1 and to improve the quality of life for those with the disorder. The strategic program direction and all activities of the Foundation are guided by representatives of the Alpha-1 Foundation, medical and scientific communities. For more information, visit www.alphaone.org or call 877-2-CURE-A1 (877-228-7321).

Alpha-1 Association is a nonprofit organization that exists to help people with Alpha-1 and to act as a patient advocate. The National Association acts as a clearinghouse of information to assist healthcare professionals and individuals with Alpha-1. Through this organization, people with Alpha-1 can meet other people with Alpha-1 who can provide encouragement. Some people meet informally as part of a national support network. There are chapters all across the country, with new ones springing up all the time. For more information, visit www.alpha1.org or call 800-521-3025.

AlphaNet is a not-for-profit health management company providing comprehensive services exclusively to the Alpha-1 community via care coordinators who are Alpha-1 patients themselves. AlphaNet provides personalized education and support to patients receiving PROLASTIN-C through Prolastin Direct Patient Services®. AlphaNet produces the Big Fat Reference Guide (Registration with AlphaNet required), a comprehensive guide to living with Alpha-1. To learn more, call 800-577-2638 or visit www.alphanet.org.

The American Lung Association can provide information and assistance, especially if you are trying to quit smoking. Their mission is to prevent and fight lung disease through education, community service, advocacy and research, seeking better treatments, and cures. For more information, visit www.lungusa.org or call 800-LUNG-USA (800-586-4872).

AlphaNet Patient Guides

next: Family Testing If You Are an Alpha-1 Carrier >

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 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. 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.