ARALAST NP is used to treat adults with symptoms of emphysema caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). It was initially approved by the U.S. FDA in 2002. Baxalta Inc. (now a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company) manufactures this medication.
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In this article, you will learn about its mechanism of action, dosage, side effects, cost, and more.
Important Warnings and Precautions
Allergic Reactions
This medication may cause severe allergic reactions, which can be fatal. Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
- Hives
- Itching
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Faintness
- Low blood pressure
Infection Transmission Risk
This medication is made using donated human plasma. Thus, it may carry a risk of spreading viruses or other infectious agents. Talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks of disease transmission.
Contraindication
Don’t use this medication if you have IgA deficiency with antibodies against IgA.
Before Taking ARALAST NP
Before you receive your first dose, inform your healthcare provider if you:
- Have or had any medical issues.
- Are allergic to this product, any product component, or any other medications.
- Have IgA deficiency with antibodies to IgA.
- Have or had liver disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is unknown if this medication harms your unborn baby.
- Are breastfeeding. It is unknown if this medication is present in breast milk, and if it can harm the baby.
ARALAST NP Information and Uses
ARALAST NP injection is a brand-name prescription product. It contains the active ingredient “Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)”, which is in a medication class known as blood derivatives.
A healthcare provider may prescribe this medication for adults with symptoms of emphysema caused by severe alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an inherited condition. Over time, it can damage the lungs, liver, skin, and blood vessels. People with AATD have either insufficient or faulty alpha1-antitrypsin.
Alpha1-antitrypsin is a protein made in the liver. This protein protects the lungs from smoke, dust, or pollution. When you have insufficient or faulty alpha1-antitrypsin, your lungs are not fully protected, which may cause emphysema.
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition. Symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness or heaviness
- Excessive tiredness
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ARALAST NP Mechanism of Action
ARALAST increases the levels of alpha1-antitrypsin in the blood and lungs. By doing this, it helps prevent certain substances in the lungs from damaging the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.
ARALAST Dosage
This medication is supplied as a white or off-white to slightly yellow-green or yellow powder in single-dose vials. Each vial contains 0.5 g or 1 g of functional Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor. The vials are included in the kit.
Each ARALAST NP kit contains:
- An appropriate volume of Sterile Water for Injection
- USP diluent (25 ml for 0.5 g vial and 50 ml for 1 g vial)
- One sterile double-ended transfer needle
- One sterile 20 micron filter needle
- One package insert
The recommended dosage is 60 mg/kg body weight once weekly by intravenous (IV) infusion. Your healthcare provider may change the infusion rate, depending on your response and level of comfort.
They may lower the infusion rate or stop the infusion if severe reactions occur. Infusion may be resumed after the symptoms go away.
You may receive your weekly dose in any of the following settings:
- In the clinic by a healthcare provider
- At an outpatient infusion center
- At home with a healthcare provider
ARALAST NP Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Cold symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, and sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tiredness
- Flushing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Bruising or bleeding at the injection site
Severe Side Effects
Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Seizure
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty, and wheezing
- Sudden weakness on one side of the body
- Blurred vision or eye pain/swelling
- Slurred speech
- Problems with balance or coordination
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Storage and Handling
- Store this product at temperatures below 25°C (77°F).
- Avoid freezing.
- Never use after the expiration date printed on the label.
- Store in the original carton to prevent sun exposure.
ARALAST NP Cost
Cost can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Contact your insurance provider to determine whether your plan covers this medication and whether prior authorization is required.
If you qualify, you may enroll in the Takeda Patient Support Co-Pay Assistance Program. Contact us if you are interested in exploring financial assistance opportunities for ARALAST NP.
ARALAST vs. ARALAST NP
ARALAST NP is a newer, modified form of ARALAST.
Both products have the same active alpha1-proteinase inhibitor components and identical formulations. Structurally, they are slightly different. However, the effects of these structural differences on drug efficacy are unknown.
ARALAST is no longer available in the U.S.
ARALAST NP vs. GLASSIA
Both products are prescribed for alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency. However, they differ in formulations and strengths.
GLASSIA is available as a ready-to-use liquid in a single-dose vial. Each vial contains 1 g, 4 g, or 5 g of functional Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor.
On the other hand, ARALAST NP is supplied as a white or off-white to slightly yellow-green or yellow powder in single-dose vials. Each vial contains 0.5 g or 1 g of functional Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor.
ARALAST must be reconstituted before administration. The reconstituted liquid is colorless or slightly yellow to yellow-green.
