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Prolastin-C (alpha1-proteinase inhibitor)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023

Prolastin®-C (alpha1-proteinase inhibitor) is a treatment option for emphysema in people who have a severe deficiency of alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). Some people are born with a rare genetic condition called alpha¬1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. This condition highly increases a person's risk of emphysema, whether they have ever smoked or not.1,2

What are the ingredients in Prolastin-C?

The active ingredient in Prolastin-C is alpha.1-proteinase inhibitor (human).1,2

How does Prolastin-C work?

AAT proteins are produced by the liver and travel through the bloodstream. One of their jobs is to protect the lungs and other organs from damage. Having AAT deficiency causes a person's liver to produce AAT proteins that are not the right shape to enter the bloodstream and protect the lungs. Without this natural kind of protection, irritants like cigarette smoke can cause severe damage to the person's lungs.1,2

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Prolastin-C is a concentrated form of AAT that is made from blood plasma. Prolastin-C can be effective at raising the levels of AAT protein in the bloodstream of a person with AAT deficiency.1,2

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects include:1,2

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Swelling of the legs and feet

These are not all the possible side effects of Prolastin-C. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Prolastin-C. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Prolastin-C.

Other things to know

Prolastin-C therapy is only suitable for people who have emphysema caused by AAT deficiency. It is not for use by people who have emphysema due to any other causes.1,2

People with a type of genetic immune system condition called IgA deficiency should not take Prolastin-C. This is because it can cause an allergic reaction. Since Prolastin-C is made from human blood plasma, there is some risk of transmitting certain types of infectious agents, including viruses.1,2

This drug comes in the form of Prolastin-C and Prolastin-C liquid. The ready-to-use liquid formula does not need to be mixed before your infusion. Talk to your doctor about which option is right for you.1,2

There is not enough data to know if Prolastin-C is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding. Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.1,2

Before beginning treatment for COPD, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Prolastin-C.