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Information for Carriers

Alpha-1 is a genetic condition passed from parents to children. If your patient has 1 abnormal gene and 1 normal gene, he or she is a carrier for Alpha-1.

Carriers are at increased risk1-3

Even being a carrier for Alpha-1 may increase the risk of lung disease in adults, including lung cancer. Learn more about what you can do for Alpha-1 carriers with "What does it mean to be an Alpha-1 carrier?"

Discuss testing for families of carriers

If your patient has been diagnosed as a carrier for Alpha-1, it’s important to discuss that family members get tested for Alpha-1.

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

There are many potential benefits of testing for Alpha-1:

  • Allow patients to make decisions about work, lifestyle, and having children
  • Allows patient to increase knowledge of Alpha-1 and become aware of personal risk of lung disease including lung cancer
  • Provides information for future healthcare decisions
  • The risk of having Alpha-1 or being a carrier for Alpha-1 is 3 out of 4 if both parents carry a Pi Z allele
  • If you detect Alpha-1 before symptoms appear, you can manage the disease more successfully which may slow progression of lung disease
  • Learn more about family testing for Alpha-1

next: Lifestyle Changes for Carriers >

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. Yang P, Sun Z, Krowka MJ, et al. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency carriers, tobacco smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer risk. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(10):1097-1103.
  2. University of Florida College of Medicine AAT Deficiency Detection Laboratory.
  3. Wise RA. α1-Antitrypsin deficiency. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec05/ch049/ch049b.html#CIHFAGBJ. Accessed July 6, 2008.