How often do I need Aralast infusions?

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](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency). 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.

What are the most common side effects of Aralast?

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](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/popular-over-the-counter-pain-relievers) 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.

Can Aralast cause allergic reactions?

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)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551516/), a type of protein that's naturally found in the body. People who have [IgA deficiency](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001476.htm) with [antibodies](https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Antibody) 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](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/anaphylaxis), such as hives, itching, swelling in the mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, or feeling faint.

What's the difference between Aralast and Glassia?

Both Aralast and [Glassia](https://www.goodrx.com/glassia/what-is) 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](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1094553922000153) 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.

Aralast NP

alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor

Used for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

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.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on January 3, 2024

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.

Are you looking for information on Glassia (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor), Prolastin-C Liquid (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor), Zemaira (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Aralast NP
Drug Class	Enzyme replacement therapy
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Aralast NP

Drug Class

Enzyme replacement therapy

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Aralast NP

Yes. "Aralast NP" is the full name of the medication, but is often shortened to "Aralast."

Aralast NP 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 NP infusions once per week. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition. This means that treatment with Aralast NP 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 NP 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 NP 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 NP, such as tiredness or nausea.

Just like any other medication, it's possible to have an allergic reaction to Aralast NP. In addition, Aralast NP 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 NP. 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 NP is made by the pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

Both Aralast NP 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 NP 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.

Aralast dosage

Typical dosage for Aralast

Interactions between Aralast and other drugs

Aralast may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Aralast. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

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)

What are alternatives to Aralast?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Aralast. Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Aralast

Used for:

Augmentation therapy for lung damage (emphysema) due to severe alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

View prices

Prolastin

Used for:

Augmentation therapy for lung damage (emphysema) due to severe alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

View prices

Glassia

Used for:

Augmentation therapy for lung damage (emphysema) due to severe alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency

View prices

References

Best studies we found

American Lung Association. (2023). Treating and managing alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Li, Z., et al. (2022). Comparative biochemical efficacy analysis of an alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Glassia) in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

MediMedia USA, Inc. (2010). Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human). Pharmacy & Therapeutics.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

What is Aralast?

What is Aralast used for?

How Aralast works

Are you looking for information on Glassia (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor), Prolastin-C Liquid (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor), Zemaira (alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Aralast NP

Is Aralast the same as Aralast NP?

How long does an Aralast infusion take?

How often do I need Aralast NP infusions?

Can I get Aralast NP infusions at home?

What are the most common side effects of Aralast NP?

Can Aralast NP cause allergic reactions?

Who makes Aralast NP?

What's the difference between Aralast NP and Glassia?

Aralast dosage

Typical dosage for Aralast

Interactions between Aralast and other drugs

Aralast contraindications

What are alternatives to Aralast?

References

View All References (6)

Common questions about Aralast NP

Is Aralast the same as Aralast NP?

How long does an Aralast infusion take?

How often do I need Aralast NP infusions?

Can I get Aralast NP infusions at home?

What are the most common side effects of Aralast NP?

Can Aralast NP cause allergic reactions?

Who makes Aralast NP?

What's the difference between Aralast NP and Glassia?