Zemaira

 
Generic Name: alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor

Brands: Prolastin, Zemaira

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What is the most important information I should know about Zemaira?

· Symptoms of allergic or infusion reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; rash; itching; low blood pressure; and dizziness; have occurred upon injection of Zemaira in a small number of patients. A slow rate of injection of the medication and pretreatment with other medications may decrease the severity of these symptoms, should they occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction during or soon after an injection of Zemaira.

· Zemaira is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although Zemaira is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Zemaira.

 

What is Zemaira?

· Zemaira is a naturally-occurring protein, also known as alpha 1-antitrypsin. Zemaira is normally present in the body and is important for preventing the breakdown of tissues in the lungs. A congenital (hereditary) disorder known as alpha 1-proteinase deficiency may result in emphysema due to damaged tissue in the lungs.

· Zemaira is used in the treatment of congenital alpha 1-proteinase deficiency in patiens with symptoms of emphysema.

· Zemaira may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

 

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Zemaira?

· Before using Zemaira, tell your doctor if you have     ·had an allergic reaction to Zemaira or have an IgA deficiency or antibody against IgA; or     ·other medical conditons or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, or herbal products.

· You may not be able to use Zemaira, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Zemaira is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Zemaira without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Zemaira passes into breast milk. Do not use Zemaira without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I use Zemaira?

· Use Zemaira exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Zemaira is given by intravenous (into the vein) injection and will most likely be administered by a healthcare provider.

· Your doctor may prescribe other medications to be taken before receiving an Zemaira injection. These may help prevent or reduce the severity of an allergic or infusion reaction. Take these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Zemaira to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Zemaira as instructed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Zemaira at home, your healthcare provider will give you instructions regarding how to store the medication.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Zemaira.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Contact your doctor, a hospital emergency room, or a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

· Although symptoms of an Zemaira overdose are not known, an overdose is unlikely to threaten life.

 

What should I avoid while taking Zemaira?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Zemaira, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Zemaira?

· Symptoms of allergic or infusion reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; rash; itching; and low blood pressure have occurred upon injection of Zemaira in a small number of patients. A slow rate of injection of the medication and pretreatment with other medications may decrease the severity of these symptoms, should they occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction during or soon after an injection of Zemaira.

· Other less serious side effects such as fever; chills; headache; dizziness; redness, pain or swelling at the injection site have also been reported in a small number of patients. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Zemaira?

· Zemaira is not known to interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with Zemaira.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Zemaira written for health professionals that you may read.

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