Aralast NP
Aralast NP, or commonly known as Aralast, is an alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor. It's an enzyme replacement that's used as augmentation therapy to manage lung problems (emphysema) in adults with a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. This medication helps raise the level of AAT in the body to protect the lungs. Aralast is given as an infusion into the veins (IV) once a week. Side effects include headache and muscle and bone pain.
What is Aralast?
What is Aralast used for?
- Augmentation therapy for lung damage (emphysema) due to severe alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency
How Aralast works
People with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency have little to no AAT in their body. AAT, also known as alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, is an enzyme that your body normally makes to help protect the lungs from damage. Without enough AAT, there's a higher risk for lung problems, like emphysema.
Aralast is an enzyme replacement therapy. It helps restore the levels of AAT in the body to help protect the lungs.
Drug facts
Common questions about Aralast
Yes. "Aralast NP" is the full name of the medication, but is often shortened to "Aralast."
Aralast is given as an infusion into the veins (IV) by a healthcare provider at a clinic or hospital. Your provider will set the infusion rate, or the speed that the medication is infused, based on your body weight. But in general, infusions typically take about 15 minutes. Your provider might slow the infusion rate if you're experiencing allergic or infusion-related reactions.
You'll need to get Aralast infusions once per week. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition. This means that treatment with Aralast is typically lifelong. Your provider will probably have you take the medication as long as it's helping your condition and as long as you're not having significant side effects.
Ask your provider about getting Aralast infusions at home. This medication is infused into the veins with the help of a healthcare provider. These infusions typically take place at a clinic or outpatient infusion center. But sometimes, it's possible to coordinate with your provider to schedule a time for them to come to your house and infuse the medication there. Keep in mind that getting infusions at home depends on your insurance coverage and whether your provider feels it's safe for you to do so.
The most common side effects of Aralast are headache and muscle and bone pain. Speak with your provider if you have these side effects after your infusion and if they're bothersome. Your provider might be able to recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever that's safe for you to help lessen these side effects. Let your provider know if you have other possible side effects from Aralast, such as tiredness or nausea.
Just like any other medication, it's possible to have an allergic reaction to Aralast. In addition, Aralast might contain a small amount of immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of protein that's naturally found in the body. People who have IgA deficiency with antibodies against IgA might be at risk for severe allergic reactions to Aralast. Get medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as hives, itching, swelling in the mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, or feeling faint.
Aralast is made by the pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
Both Aralast and Glassia are brand-name medications that contain the same active ingredient, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor. These two brands are very similar to each other. For example, they're both given as an infusion through the vein once a week. Studies show that brands of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitors are safe and work just as well as each other. The main difference is that Glassia is available as a liquid that's ready to be infused, whereas Aralast comes as a powder that your provider needs to mix with a liquid before the medication can be infused. Discuss with your provider about which brand is right for you.
How to save using GoodRx
Aralast dosage
Typical dosage for Aralast
Interactions between Aralast and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Aralast contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Aralast will not be safe for you to take.
- People who are immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficient with antibodies against IgA (due to risk of severe allergic reactions)
