Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

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What is Alpha-1?

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic condition. It’s passed down from parents to children. It happens when there’s not enough alpha-1 antitrypsin protein produced in the liver.

The alpha-1 antitrypsin protein helps to protect the lungs from damage. Without enough of this protein, a person is at risk for conditions like emphysema. Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Alpha-1 symptoms

People living with Alpha-1 may have a wide range of symptoms. Children may not show signs of Alpha-1 until later in life, but many adults have the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Recurring chest colds
  • Trouble exercising
  • Year-round allergies
  • Bronchiectasis (thickening of lung air passages)

Living with Alpha-1

If you or someone you care for is living with Alpha-1, it’s important to create lifestyle habits to stay healthy. These can include:

Limiting alcohol consumption

Exercising regularly

Eating a healthy diet

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any vitamin supplements or herbal products, starting an exercise routine, or making changes to your diet.

The above information is not intended to be medical advice. For medical advice, always speak with your healthcare provider.

Finding support*

Uncover Alpha-1 is an online resource for navigating life with Alpha-1, full of information on genetic testing, diagnosis, lifestyle changes, management, and more—designed for both those living with the condition and their loved ones. Uncover Alpha-1 also offers a closer look at the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein with a video about the role it plays in the body.

The Alpha-1 Foundation is a not-for-profit Florida corporation created to promote research and the development of new therapies for improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with Alpha-1. The website contains patient support resources, healthcare provider (HCP) locator tools, ongoing grants offered, and links to events.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a rare disease umbrella organization that provides advocacy, research, education, and patient services in the US. See how they help and find out how you can get involved.

*The above links are provided as a resource. This is not an endorsement, and Takeda has no control over the content of any website not owned by Takeda.

Get health education support from OnePath

OnePath offers health education support from a Clinical Educator (CE). CEs are trained nursing professionals. They can help answer your questions about Alpha-1 and your prescribed Takeda treatment.

Find OnePath tools to help you during treatment

Track how you or your loved one is feeling with our convenient Health Events Log in the OnePath App or Portal.

Frequently asked questions

Call your OnePath Patient Support Manager (PSM) if you feel you need more training on administering your treatment. To connect with your PSM, call Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM ET, at 1-866-888-0660.

OnePath specialists are here to help answer questions about your condition and your Takeda treatment plan. Your Patient Support Manager (PSM) can connect you with one of these specialists. Call us Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM ET, at 1-866-888-0660. You should also speak with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions about your health.

If you’ll be traveling with your Takeda medication, your dedicated Patient Support Manager (PSM) can help you prepare. Call your PSM as early as possible, at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. Your PSM can:

  • Put you in touch with your specialty pharmacy to discuss your travel plans. Your SP can:
    • Work with you to have extra medication shipped to you before you travel
    • Have your medication shipped to your destination
    • Help locate a site of care if your treatment must be given to you by a trained healthcare provider

Below you’ll find more tips you may want to consider when planning to travel with your medication:

  • Tell your healthcare provider about your plans. Follow any instructions they may provide you
  • Make a list of hospitals along your travel route and near your destination. Be sure to include their contact information
  • Always keep your treatment and supplies with you (if applicable). This includes storing these items in your carry-on luggage. That way, you’ll be able to use your items at any time on the way to your destination. Also, they’ll be better protected against temperature changes, rough handling, or loss
  • Pack extra medication just in case you experience a travel delay
  • If you’ll be flying, call your airline before the trip. Ask if it would be possible to keep your medication refrigerated during your flight, if applicable
  • Call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at least 72 hours before traveling. It can let you know what to expect at security checkpoints and if there are any special instructions you’ll need to follow. You can call the TSA toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or visit them online here
  • When going through security, carry a copy of a travel letter describing your condition and the need for your medication
  • Always wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a medical ID card with you
  • Make sure to have all medication, supplies, and medical devices clearly labeled

If you have questions, speak with your Patient Support Manager (PSM). To connect with your PSM, call us Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM ET, at 1-866-888-0660.

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