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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.

COPD and Alpha-1

  • COPD describes a variety of lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema1
  • COPD is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide2
  • 4th leading cause of death in the United States3
  • Approximately 24 million adults in United States have airway obstruction or COPD4
  • Alpha-1 is the most common genetic risk factor for COPD6
  • Approximately 1 to 3% of all people diagnosed with COPD could have undiagnosed Alpha-16
  • The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommend that patients with COPD uncontrolled by another treatment be tested for Alpha-17

Is it COPD due to Alpha-1?

COPD is the most prevalent clinical disorder associated with Alpha-1. Alpha-1 is often misdiagnosed as simple COPD because the symptoms are similar:8

  • 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: Asthma 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. American Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society. Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With COPD. 2004. http://www.thoracic.org/sections/copd/resources/copddoc.pdf. Accessed June 18, 2008.
  2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Updated 2007. www.goldcopd.org. Accessed February 18, 2008.
  3. Anthonisen N. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd edition. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier. 2008:619-626.
  4. Mannino DM. COPD: epidemiology, prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and disease heterogeneity. Chest. 2002;121(5 suppl):121S-126S.
  5. Ranes J, Stoller JK. A review of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;26(2):154-166.
  6. What is Alpha-1? Alpha-1 Foundation. http://www.alphaone.org/healthcare/?c=01-What-is-Alpha-1-Healthcare. Accessed October 6, 2009.
  7. Alphas, Friends, and Family: Alpha-1 Lung Disease. http://www.alphaone.org/alphas/?c=03-Alpha-1-Lung-Disease. Accessed September 29, 2009.
  8. World Health Organization. Bulletin: Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency: memorandum from a WHO meeting. 1997;75(5):397-415.
  9. 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.