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Alphas like you talk about what treatment is like for them.
What’s it like living with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)?
Linda, Shannon, Vanessa, and Trudy—they all have Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and each has chosen an infusion setting option that fits in with their lifestyle. The one thing they have in common? With their doctor’s guidance, they chose GLASSIA as their therapy. Hear about how they learned about their Alpha-1 diagnosis and what they do to adjust to living with Alpha-1.
Find out how Alphas like you chose
the treatment path that is right for them.
Video transcript
LINDA: Hi. My name is Linda. I'm 64-years-old and I live in Sun City, Arizona. I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in the year 2011.
I've lived in the Sun City area for about two and a half years now and I moved to this area for the socializing and the activities, everything you can do outdoors. I love to travel to be able to transport myself into a new world. I leave my daily work behind. I go and experience new things. I meet new people.
I was having a lot of health problems. All the effects were limiting everything I did, almost everything. I could hardly walk. I could hardly breathe. I could hardly do anything besides be sedentary, which is not good.
My doctors were trying everything they could think of, and the only reason I found out is because I have a brother in Chicago who wound up getting diagnosed, and as soon as he was diagnosed, he contacted me because it is hereditary, and I went immediately and got the blood test, and I was diagnosed right away.
When I was discussing the treatment with my doctor, we talked about the various options for the medications. My doctor advised me that GLASSIA raises my Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein levels.
GLASSIA was fairly new at that point. He told me the differences between the- the different uhm... medications is GLASSIA comes mixed in a vial. You don't have to mix it, it's not powder. It's automatically in a liquid form and that's what we decided on my own treatment.
The options for my infusion would’ve been going to a hospital or a doctor’s office, an in-home nurse come in and do it every week for you, or self-infusing.
As an independent person, I needed to be able to do these infusions on my schedule. I had the nurse show me how to do my own infusions and I’ve been doing them ever since, for the last 12 years.
I love traveling because I can leave my daily routine behind and experience a whole new world. Traveling with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, you have to plan on when you're receiving your infusions. I’m not limited to- I’ve got to be home, or I’ve got to do it at this time, or I only have so much time. I know what time I normally do it, but it’s on my schedule.
Having been diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency 12 years ago, I have learned to live with it. I've accepted it. It's part of my life. And it's something you have to get used to.
If I could describe my life before my diagnosis, I would say difficult. It was very difficult. If I was speaking to someone who’s really worried about it, I think I would go into more detail saying, “Okay, ya know, you’re diagnosed. Do some research. Make yourself familiar with the disease and what can happen. Your lifespan, how you can live your life normally, they have to get the medical background from that, but I would just say the base thing is: “It’s gonna be okay.”
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Where Linda goes, her GLASSIA travels with her*
Linda's weekly GLASSIA infusions don't keep her from the travel she loves. After training with a nurse, Linda felt confident about infusing herself, and her specialty pharmacy helps make sure she has all the supplies she needs.
*Store GLASSIA at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F). Do not freeze. Product may be stored at room temperatures not exceeding 25 °C (77 °F) for up to 1 month. Once removed from refrigeration, use within 1 month.
Video transcript
SHANNON: My name's Shannon. I'm 54 years old. I live in Oklahoma City, and I've been back here for about five years.
I love living in Oklahoma because I love the people. I love the- the can-do attitude and the helpful vibe that you get from everybody around here. It's just kind of in our blood.
I started playing guitar just a couple of years back and- and uh... I'd like to be better than I am, but it is what it is and I'm working on it.
Guitar became one of my hobbies because I've always loved music. Like, it's not a – it's not a casual thing with me. I really love music. I live with music around me all the time. And I've always been that way.
When I first noticed that I had a problem, it was… I felt like I couldn't get in shape, and I- I couldn't understand why I wasn't able to get in shape, ‘cause I was doing everything I was supposed to be doing.I just felt like I kept getting in worse and worse and worse shape, and that's when I first noticed that there was a problem.
When I finally decided to go to a doctor, they originally had diagnosed me with asthma. I went with that diagnosis for a while, and I just didn't understand why the medication wasn't making it any better, ‘cause I knew other people that had asthma, and they would take the asthma medication, and then they would be just fine. And my situation just kind of kept getting worse and worse.
I went to this pulmonologist, and- and finally uh... he had diagnosed me with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. And that was the first time I'd ever heard of that. But then, my pulmonologist, who is fantastic, he told me that they had this- this infusion therapy that could help with that. He said I needed to raise my alpha-1 antitrypsin protein levels.
When my doctor and I decided that we were going to do the infusion of the Glassia, he gave me several options to choose from, but when he got to the one where the home healthcare nurse could come by my house and administer the infusion there, I decided immediately that that's the one I wanted to go with.
My infusion routine is at my house, and my infusion nurse comes in, and she gets everything all set-up, and then we'll chit- chat while the infusion's going through, and then as soon as we're done she makes sure that-- you know… everything's uh... good to go, and then she's out the- out the door and on her way, and I'm free to do whatever I want to do with the rest of my day.
You've only got two choices in life. You can either make the best of it, or you can let it get the best of you. You can't always determine; you can’t always decide what happens to you. But you can always decide what you do with what happens to you.
The thing that keeps me going every day is the people in my life and kind of being there for them in a lot of ways. That's the thing that I- I couldn't do without. Any of the rest of it I- I think I could do without but not that. The people in my life are pretty much everything to me.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
For Shannon, infusion
at home means he can be where he’s comfortable
Shannon is the kind of person who looks on the bright side of life, and adjusting to Alpha-1 was no exception. Learning to play the guitar, discovering new passions, and building strong relationships with family and his GLASSIA infusion nurse changed Shannon’s life in many positive ways.
Video transcript
VANESSA: My name is Vanessa. I live in Paradise, Utah. I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in February of 2012.
So, it took me quite a few years to actually find a- a doctor who knew exactly what alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was.
I was really, really blessed to find a really incredible doctor and spending 45 minutes with her, I walked out of the office and realized that alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was a real thing, and that it was honestly affecting my health and that my lungs were not working like they were supposed to, no matter what I thought about myself.
And I had to come to terms that my body was changing, that I did have to make some changes with my lifestyle. I had to do things differently.
I didn't know anything about augmentation. I didn't know what was required, so when I talked to my pulmonologist about the augmentation therapy, I felt much better about the process.
They would give me an IV that would put medication into my body and raise my Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein levels.
The decision that the pulmonologist and myself made was that I go to the infusion center and that GLASSIA was the, was the best choice for us, best choice for me.
My infusion center is an hour away. I drop my one daughter off at school; the other one can drive, and I go down to the infusion center and spend my time down there, and I'm home before they even get home from school.
I have a lot ahead of me. I look forward to a lot of late-night conversations, hours in the truck, hours laying on the bed, talking at night, dates, tears, laughter. I am excited to maybe someday become a grandma.
Something I look forward to every single day is having the ability to make a difference, whether that be with my own daughters or with somebody else I want to make a difference somewhere.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Infusion visits let Vanessa fit her treatments into her busy schedule
Being a “rodeo mom” to 2 teenage daughters keeps Vanessa on the go. Aside from managing their family ranch, training horses, and getting her girls—and their horses—to competitions, Vanessa makes sure she receives her weekly GLASSIA treatment. At her infusion center, Vanessa has found a community of support and is able to take advantage of some “time off” from a hectic schedule.
Video transcript
TRUDY: Hi, I'm Trudy, and I'm from Utah, I'm married and have five kids and twelve grandkids. I'm still pretty active.
My family all knows what I'm going through, we've all gone through it together as a family, and when it comes to my kids and my grandkids, they are my life, they keep me going, they keep me doing the things I need to do. And they're the reason that I stay so proactive with my Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
My story with Alpha-1 started over 30 years ago. They called my little sister and said, "Hey, you know, you have Alpha-1, we need to do further testing and find what your phenotype is, and also you need to bring all your brothers and sisters.
Out of the nine of us children, four of us had the ZZ phenotype.
Which means we were at a higher risk for developing complications.
So the doctor also told us you need to stay in clean air. And definitely don't smoke, because that's what would damage our lungs.
My sister and I decided that we would dig in and totally find out everything we knew about it. We knew exactly what to stay away from, we s-- ate healthy, we exercised.
Our PFT's are our lung function tests that we would go in once a year.
The PFT's actually test the capacity in your lungs.
So it's really important to keep having those tests done because sometimes physically you don't feel it.
So in 2018 I got pneumonia twice, which is a really hard thing for an Alpha patient to get through. As I got through that, we decided we wanted to get out of the city and go into the country. So that was a big move for us, and as we moved, you know, I wasn't sleeping well, I wasn't doing the things I needed to do.
My new pulmonologist says, "We need to do further testing for Alpha-1."
My pulmonologist said it was time for treatment, and recommended GLASSIA.
NARRATOR: GLASSIA is a medicine used to treat adults with lung disease, also called emphysema, caused by severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
GLASSIA increases the levels of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in your blood and lungs.
It is not known if increasing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin levels with GLASSIA affects worsening lung function or emphysema progression, and the long- term effects of treatment have not been studied.
Glassia can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, or low blood pressure.
TRUDY: After discussing the risk and benefits of GLASSIA with my doctor, we decided it'd be a good option for me.
When he brought up that I needed to do these infusions once a week, he gave me options that I could do. He said I can do it at home with a health provider who'd come in my home and administer it, or I could go to an infusion center, or I can learn how to do it myself, to do the infusions at home.
There's a product support program called OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support].
They helped me get started on GLASSIA. They were very helpful and informative.
They helped with the insurance coverage.
The nurse that OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support] sent went through the whole procedure with us, she set out all the equipment, and showed us exactly how to do-do the infusion ourselves. She did it the first few times, and explained why she did and what she did, and then after a few times of her doing it then she had us do parts of it and went through what-- in total detail to make sure that we felt secure.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Trudy fits treatment into her weekly activities
Kids and grandkids keep Trudy busy, so she opted for her weekly infusion at home, with the help of her husband, who was trained by a nurse. By working infusions into her lifestyle, Trudy is able to manage her GLASSIA treatment and still make time for a round of golf or a hike with her family.
Hear Alphas talk about their experiences with Alpha-1 and treatment.
Video transcript
TRUDY: I learned about my infusion options from my doctor. He said I could go to an infusion center, have a nurse come to my home and infuse me with the treatment, or I could do self-infusions.
Self-infusion was an option that I picked because to me, I could stay home and do it when I want and sit in my own living room and do it.
My day is Thursday. Every Thursday I have my infusions, and I just know that day I stay home and do my infusions and do the things that I need to do at home on Thursdays, that it's important that you stay on a schedule and that you stay on it weekly.
KATHY: When I first started GLASSIA infusions, I had a nurse that would come to my home, and I would have home infusions. And I switched to an infusion center, which works better for me.
I’ve been fortunate enough to find an infusion center very close to home, less than 15 minutes. It’s a very professional atmosphere. It’s very clean. My nurse and all of the staff are very familiar with GLASSIA.
BARBARA: I prefer to have a nurse come into my home to infuse GLASSIA. I like having a nurse there who is trained on giving GLASSIA infusions. I often work long hours, and being able to infuse at home works best for me and my schedule.
TRUDY: After the nurse came quite a bit and I felt really secure about it and I felt like that's something that I could do, my husband would sit with me and help me through it and help me set it all up. However, you don't really need a caregiver in your home to help you. You could really do it alone. But it's nice to have his support.
KATHY: I’ve had a positive experience with receiving GLASSIA infusions at the infusion center. I’ve been receiving GLASSIA infusions for about 19 months. At the infusion center, there is flexibility. I have a set schedule each week, but I’m able to change that anytime I’d like.
They’re very flexible with opening up another appointment for me to work around what is most convenient.
BARBARA:I see a nurse enough that they’re someone I’m comfortable with.
I currently get to see the same nurse every week, with exceptions based on her schedule or mine.
At first, I was very anxious. The thought of getting an IV every week was scary. I don’t like needles, but I got used to it, and now it’s just part of my routine.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Which infusion setting
option is right for you?
Talk with your doctor to decide on an infusion setting option that works best with your lifestyle and personal preference. This video shows how Alphas like you chose a GLASSIA infusion setting option they were comfortable with.
Video transcript
BARBARA: In learning about my Alpha-1, I know it's a lifelong condition without a cure. There are management steps that can be taken, including treatment.
In my Alpha-1 support group is the first time I learned about GLASSIA. After talking to my doctor, we agreed this was the right treatment plan for me, and I began my infusions.
My condition means that my body does not produce enough functional Alpha-1 antitrypsin protein.
BARBARA: Getting treatment for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is important, but it can be hard for patients to understand the results.
I am thankful that treatment with GLASSIA has helped increase my Alpha- 1 protein levels.
KATHY: Finding treatment as an individual for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency I knew was of the utmost importance.
My doctors explained how GLASSIA works and how it could help manage my Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
My body does not produce enough Alpha-1 protein. GLASSIA helps to increase those levels.
BARBARA: I am motivated to stay on GLASSIA to manage my Alpha-1. My doctor and I feel that being consistent and staying on my treatment is best thing I can do for my condition.
I think it’s important to find the right treatment, because dealing with this is difficult enough. It affects my life in many ways. And having the right treatment that I’m comfortable with. I just feel like that’s very important to managing this.
KATHY: I find motivation to stay on treatment for my family. My family is my biggest support. They are with me day in and day out; they are there for me on a good day; they're there for me on a bad day; they're there for me for any reason at all whether it be physical needs, emotional needs, support, and anything else that may come along. I don't know how I would do this journey without them.
I try to stay positive. I like considering the things that I do have, and not to dwell on the things that I don't such as healthy lungs. I'd like to say that I have Alpha-1, but Alpha-1 doesn't have me.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Choosing and staying
with treatment
People who are living with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency talk about how they manage treatment and what motivates them to stay with it.
Video transcript
TRUDY: For support with my Alpha-1, I really look to, first of all, my sister, who's gone through the same thing I am. We are such a great support team together. Also, my husband's been very supportive. My doctors have been very supportive, my family, my friends. I feel like this is very important because you need to stay positive.
My daughter also helps me immensely. She is actually a nurse and makes sure that my medication and my doctors' appointments are up to what they need to be and she's one to check in on me.
KATHY: My sister and I speak regularly about my health, she keeps an eye on me, and she asks questions; oftentimes she'll know things even before I do. She knows me probably better than anyone.
My husband, too, is a great emotional support. He may not have as much knowledge of the disease itself and the condition, but he, at home, he's an emotional support, and he keeps me in check; he does the things around the house that I shouldn't be doing, and he reminds me of things. He more or less just keeps my stubborn self “in line,” so to speak.
TRUDY: Takeda OnePath product support [now known as Takeda Patient Support] team has helped me receive the assistance and support that I need.
OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support] has helped me be able to know what to do with Alpha-1. Also, it's taught me that we need to stay on top of it.
They have helped me with my doctor and questions to ask him.
They have been so helpful with me and have made me feel so more secure and, and so much more, happy about having to go through what I'm going through with Alpha-1, and the infusions.
They have called me and made sure everything was correct and that I received my medicine on time. They have been such a good support for me during this journey.
KATHY: OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support] was extremely helpful. OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support] just made it so easy, and everything just fell into place. I didn't even have to make phone calls, I had people calling me and making sure that I knew exactly what was going to happen.
There are people, particularly OnePath [now known as Takeda Patient Support], that will help you along your journey, and there are support groups, and your family no doubt will be supportive, and educate yourself, do some research, be educated, and be your own advocate.
VOICEOVER: What is GLASSIA?
GLASSIA is a medicine containing human Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Alpha1-PI) that is used to treat adults with lung disease (emphysema) because of severe Alpha1- antitrypsin (Alpha1) deficiency. GLASSIA is not meant to be used as a therapy for lung disease other than severe Alpha1 deficiency. Effects of GLASSIA on worsening lung function and emphysema progression have not been proven in clinical trials. Long-term effects of Alpha1 replacement and maintenance therapy have not been studied.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I need to know about GLASSIA?
- GLASSIA can cause severe allergic reactions including hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or low blood pressure
- If you will be taking GLASSIA outside a healthcare setting, ask your healthcare provider (HCP) about an epinephrine pen and/or other supportive care for certain severe allergic reactions.
Who should not use GLASSIA?
Do not use GLASSIA if you:
- Have immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA
- Have a severe allergic reaction to human Alpha1-PI products
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
If any of the following problems occur, contact your healthcare provider (HCP) or call emergency services right away:
- Worsening or flare-up of your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hives, swelling in the mouth or throat, itching, chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
What are the possible or reasonably likely side effects of GLASSIA?
The most common side effects that may occur are headache and upper respiratory tract infections
Other possible side effects of GLASSIA include:
- Cough
- Sinus infection
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects. Tell your HCP about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
For additional safety information, please see Information for Patients including Detailed Instructions For Administration found on this website and discuss with your HCP.
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.
Surrounding yourself with
the support you need
These Alphas offer advice about finding support services and people in your life who will help you during your treatment journey.
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