Understanding Alpha-1
An overview of alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency
Alpha-1 is a genetic condition caused by a lack of alpha1 antitrypsin, a protein
that counters the effects of an enzyme called neutrophil elastase. The primary function
of neutrophil elastase is to rid the lungs of germs and old or damaged cells. However,
if not properly regulated, neutrophil elastase can attack healthy lung tissue and
cause damage.1
- People who have Alpha-1 do not make enough alpha1 antitrypsin and are susceptible
to lung disease1
- Not all genetically predisposed individuals will develop clinically significant
symptoms1
- Alpha-1–associated emphysema can become chronic and weaken your lungs1
- Alpha-1 is more common than one might think, affecting all major racial subgroups
around the world2
- There are many services, resources, and treatments to help people with Alpha-1
CareZ®: Your home for help with Alpha-1
CSL Behring understands the impact that Alpha-1 can have on people, their lives,
and their families and loved ones. That is why CSL Behring provides CareZ, a comprehensive
suite of information and services that makes management of Alpha-1 easier. At CareZ,
you'll learn about:
- The causes of Alpha-1
- The symptoms of Alpha-1
- Who Alpha-1 affects
- How Alpha-1 is passed down through families
- Connect now to the valuable resources and support of the CareZ community
Is Treatment Available?
Important Safety Information
Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human), Zemaira®
is indicated to raise the plasma level of alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI) in patients with A1-PI deficiency and related emphysema. The effect of this raised level on the frequency of pulmonary exacerbations and the progression of emphysema have not been established in clinical trials.
Zemaira may not be suitable for everyone; for example, people with known hypersensitivity to components used to make Zemaira, those with a history of anaphylaxis or severe systemic response to A1-PI products, and those with certain IgA deficiencies. If you think any of these may apply to you, ask your doctor.
Early signs of hypersensitivity reactions to Zemaira include hives, rash, tightness of the chest, unusual breathing difficulty, wheezing, and feeling faint. Immediately discontinue use and consult with physician if such symptoms occur.
In clinical studies, the following adverse reactions were reported in at least 5% of subjects receiving Zemaira: headache, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, bronchitis, fatigue, increased cough, fever, injection-site bleeding, nasal symptoms, sore throat, and swelled blood vessels.
Because Zemaira is made from human blood, the risk of transmitting infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.
Please see full prescribing information for Zemaira.
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.