Alpha-1 Advocacy Alliance - Augmentation Therapy For The Lung Patient

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Testing for AAT Deficiency
Simply click HERE Alpha One International Registry
provides AAT Deficiency Testing. This AAT Deficiency Testing is a
COMPLETE CONFIDENCIAL TESTING SERVICE
and WITHOUT COST TO YOU.
This testing will include measuring the CONCENTRATION of AAT in your blood, determining the TYPE of ATT in your blood and (where appropriate) determining your AAT genotype by testing the DNA in your blood; State of the art, full-spectrum Alpha-1 Testing .

Please read the detail at: AAT Deficiency Detection Center

Augmentation Therapy
for the Lung Patient

What is augmentation therapy?

Augmentation therapy is the administration of an IV infused protease inhibitor to replace the antitrypsin the ZZ patient doesn't have circulating in their bloodstream. Patients generally receive the infusions on a weekly basis, though some patients arrange for bi-weekly or monthly infusions. The object of augmentation therapy is to maintain an Alpha level of therapeutic levels. The recommended dosage is 60 mg/kg.

How do I qualify for infusion therapy?

Your doctor must write a prescription and make the arrangement for augmentation therapy. There are restrictions:

High-risk phenotype (eg, PI*ZZ, PI*Z Null, PI*Null Null)

Serum ATT < 11 mmol/L (80 mg/dL)

Age >18 years

Airflow obstruction by spirometry

Nonsmoker or ex-smoker

Capacity to comply with protocol

These guidelines are normally followed by most insurance companies. In addition, the American Thoracic Society recommends initial screening for HIV and that the patient be administered Hepititis B vaccinations. They also suggest liver function tests to rule out liver involvement. The use of augmentation therapy is not indicated for patients with liver disease.

Who do I contact for these infusions?

Depending on your medical insurance coverage, your doctor will decide which augmentation therapy is best for you. Currently there are three products available and depending on your insurance, you may be able to receive the infusions at home. If you have Medicare or Medicaid and are not designated homebound, you will be required to have your infusions at your doctor's office (if they provide this service) or at a hospital infusion center. Patients can also self-infuse. This involves being taught how to mix the medication and then hook themselves up to the IV line. Some patients choose to have a “port” placed in their arm or upper chest area so that they do not have to do a needle stick weekly. If your insurance covers home infusions, you will have a nurse come to your home to mix your medication, take your vital statistics (blood pressure, temp, etc.), write a report to your doctor and then complete the infusion.

What are the three therapies available?

Aralast:

For complete information about Aralast including information for patients and health professionals, go to: http://www.aralast.com/patients_families/index.html

Whether you are newly diagnosed with alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency or are a long-time Alpha-1 patient, there’s useful information there for you.

A prescription must be written by your doctor.

Prolastin:

From their web site: http://www.prolastin.com

Talecris Biotherapeutics is a worldwide healthcare company.

Talecris Biotherapeutics acquired the contributed assets of the worldwide plasma business of Bayer Biological Products and became operational April 1, 2005. All plasma-based products - including Gamunex, Prolastin, the hyperimmune line (Fraction II), Plasbumin (Bayer Albumin), Koate DVI and Thrombate III - related facilities, and employees are now functioning under the name Talecris Biotherapeutics. For more information about Talecris Biotherapeutics, please contact your local Biological Account Executive, Customer Service at 1-800-243-4153.

Once again, a prescription must be written by your doctor.

Zemaira:

Distributed exclusively by Accredo to US patients only. Information about Zemaira can be seen at : http://www.zemaira.com

Accredo Therapeutics
1640 Century Center Parkway, Suite 105
Memphis, TN 38134
1-866-6ALPHA1 (866-625-7421)
http://www.accredotx.com

A prescription is required from your doctor.

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