About Alpha-1 DeficiencyWhy Early Diagnosis Is CrucialScreening: Who Is At RiskWarning Signs of Alpha-1 DeficiencyATS GuidelinesTreatment OptionsThe Zemaira® DifferenceAlpha-1 Detection ResourcesZemaira® Patient Programs and ServicesOrdering Zemaira®Medical ResourcesImportant Safety InformationPrescribing InformationZemaira® for consumers

Treatment Options

A variety of treatment optionsPDF are available for patients with Alpha-1 deficiency.

Symptomatic treatments

  • Bronchodilators for immediate symptom relief1
  • Corticosteroids for help during exacerbations of bronchial hyperactivity1,2
  • Antibiotics for patients with bronchitis or upper respiratory infections1
  • Supplemental oxygen for patients with low blood oxygen levels, respiratory infections, or progressive destruction of lung tissue1,2
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation to maximize airflow
  • Nutritional counseling to develop appropriate dietary habits

Alpha-1 augmentation therapy1,2

  • The only available specific treatment for Alpha-1 deficiency
  • Indicated for patients with Alpha-1 deficiency and emphysema
  • Not appropriate for emphysema patients without evidence of Alpha-1 deficiency

Surgery2

  • For patients with end-stage lung or liver disease who do not respond to more conservative therapy
  • Surgical options include organ transplantation (lung or liver) and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)

Don't let Alpha-1 deficiency go untreated. The Zemaira® Alpha-1 Detection Program educational initiative from CSL Behring can help you determine the best treatment options for your patients who test positive for Alpha-1 deficiency.

The only specific treatment for Alpha-1 deficiency is augmentation therapy.

Important Safety Information

Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human), Zemaira is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy for adults with alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI) deficiency and emphysema. Clinical data demonstrating the long-term effects of chronic augmentation therapy with Zemaira are not available.

Zemaira may not be appropriate for the following adult individuals as they may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis: individuals with a known hypersensitivity and/or history of anaphylaxis or severe systemic reaction to A1-PI products or their components, and individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibodies against IgA.

In clinical studies, the following treatment-related adverse reactions were reported in 1% of subjects: asthenia (fatigue), injection-site pain, dizziness, headache, paresthesia (tingling), and pruritus (itching).

Zemaira is derived from human plasma. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.

Please see full prescribing information.

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.

The information provided herein is solely for use by physicians and healthcare professionals in the United States. The CSL Behring product listed may not have been approved in other countries and may not be available everywhere.

  1. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Task Force. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;168:818-900.
  2. Coan MH, Brockway WJ, Eguizabal H, Krieg T, Fournel M. Preparation and properties of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor concentrate from human plasma. Vox Sang. 1985;48:333-342.