Testing for Alpha-1
How can I find out if I have Alpha-1?
There are three tests that doctors might use to determine if you have Alpha-13:
- Assay (AS-ay) – Measures the amount of alpha1 antitrypsin in your blood
- Phenotype (FEE-no-type) – Determines the type of alpha1 antitrpysin in your blood
- Genotype (JEE-no-type) – Identifies specific mutations in your DNA
Testing your lung health
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may have lung damage that has been caused by Alpha-1. Your doctor can check the health of your lungs using several tests:
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) – This is actually a group of tests that are used to measure how well your lungs take in and release air, as well as their ability to move oxygen through your body11
- Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) Test – This test measures the amount of air you can exhale with force in one breath, usually within 1 to 3 seconds12
- CAT or CT Scan – Special X-ray equipment and powerful computers work together to take multiple images of your lungs, giving your doctor a detailed picture of your lung tissue13
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.