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In 1984 Judy was 28 years old — in the prime of her life — and had just moved to Alaska with her husband. She had been sick with colds, bronchitis, and lung infections for a while, but it wasn't until she went to her new physician in Alaska that she was actually diagnosed.
"After seeing me a few times and prescribing antibiotics that didn't seem to help, my new doctor said he had just read an article about a disease that he wanted to test me for," explained Judy. "A simple blood test confirmed that I had alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency." She was given just 10 years to live.
Living in a new state, with a new job, no family or friends nearby and with a husband working constantly "in the bush," Judy could have resigned herself to a limited and short life. Instead, she chose to live the life she wanted, regardless of her grim prognosis. While working full time, she had the strength and foresight, despite the odds, to enroll in college. She was determined to get a better job. At school and at her new job, Judy made new friends and told them about her illness.
"My friends promised me that if I lived to be 50, they would come celebrate my birthday with me," said Judy. "And they did it — they came from all across the country, and we had a wonderful time. I never expected to see this birthday, and they were here to share it with me."
Judy says she reached this milestone and continues to do well because of four things: "Prolastin®, my doctors, a positive attitude, and taking care of myself by exercising." She's especially proud of the fact that she's never needed a major lung surgery or any lung related surgery.
Judy began taking Prolastin® in 1989 after seeing a television news show about Prolastin® and AAT deficiency. She contacted her doctor and started taking it a few months later when it became publicly available for the first time.
After 20 years of living in Alaska, Judy and her husband decided to retire early and moved back to their home state of Wisconsin in 2003, where they live in the country. They spend their days working in their rock garden, caring for their land, and riding motorcycles when physically possible.
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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