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I got really, really sick and after about a week and a half of being really sick I finally went to a doctor because I was coughing and I thought, Jeez, I've never been sick like this before. This doctor that I went to, um gave me a little hand-held breathing test, which I failed. Meaning, I just wasn't bringing in any air and wasn't expelling any air. And she said, "Well, you need to get a blood test for this rare genetic lung disease." So we sat in the pulmonologist's office and he pulled out this big file; he opened it up and he said, "Oh, so you have alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency."
It was just a real blow. All I remember from that day in that session is him saying words like, ah, "fatal," "incurable," "supplemental oxygen," ah, "IV blood infusions." And I thought, "Whoa." And so I got on the computer learned all I could about AAT deficiency and Prolastin®. So I listened to people talk about their experiences with it and I thought, you know, if there is a chance this can slow down the deterioration of my lungs, why not? I'll go for it.
Once I started on that Prolastin®, I could really see a difference. I worked on my diet, and my nutrition. The pulmonary rehab got me in better shape to do more regular exercise—learned how to breathe, you know, when I'm walking.
Like any drug decision you kind of weigh the benefits against the risks. At first it was such a shock, to think of taking in a blood product, blood plasma. It was so foreign to my, just daily life. I had nothing to do with that kind of thing, and now it just amazes me how it's become a normal part of my life. It's not a bad thing at all.
Remember, these experiences may not be representative of other people with AAT deficiency. Your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health.
Important Safety Information
Prolastin®, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic replacement therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Weekly Prolastin® therapy has demonstrated a low occurrence of side effects. In clinical studies with Prolastin®, reactions were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever (0.77%), light-headedness (0.19%), and dizziness (0.19%). As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.
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.
Please click here for Prolastin® full Prescribing Information.
Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health or any of your medications.
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