Glassia Infusion Therapy

Glassia is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

• adults with clinically evident emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of Alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency).

What Is Glassia? 

Glassia (alpha1–proteinase inhibitor) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. 

How Glassia Works  

Alpha1 is a protein that circulates in your bloodstream and helps protect the elastic structures of your lungs from an enzyme that can attack normal body tissue. A severe deficiency of Alpha1 can lead to emphysema.  

Glassia works by increasing levels of Alpha1 in the blood and lungs. 

What Is Glassia Used For?  

Doctors order alpha1–proteinase inhibitor to treat: 

• adults with clinically evident emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of Alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency). 

Glassia Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive alpha1–proteinase inhibitor intravenously. Treatment time for a Glassia infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts for around 15 minutes. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of alpha1–proteinase inhibitor, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which they are receiving treatment. 

Patients typically receive their doses of Glassia once a week.

Administering Glassia via IV Infusion  

1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Glassia Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications,  side effects are possible.  

Side effects include: 

• Headache 
• Upper respiratory tract infections 
• Cough 
• Sinus infection 
• Chest discomfort 
• Dizziness 
• Increased liver enzymes 
• Shortness of breath 
• Nausea 
• Fatigue 
• Severe allergic reactions

How To Prepare for a Glassia Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they currently have, or have had, any of the conditions listed below: 

• An immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency with antibodies to IgA 
• A severe allergic reaction to human alpha1–PI products 

Before treatment, patients should get a good night’s sleep. In addition, they need to drink an adequate amount of fluid and eat a meal before their Glassia IV infusion treatment at IVX Health. 

How to Get a Referral for Glassia IV Infusions  

Every Glassia referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment. 

• Patient information should include: 
• Name 
• Current address 
• Home and mobile phone number 
• Insurance information 

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for Glassia IV therapy: 

• Patient’s name and DOB 
• Order date 
• Diagnosis 
• Physician’s name and NPI# 
• Office address, phone, and fax numbers 
• Provider’s signature 

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Clinical information that supports the diagnosis of adults with clinically evident emphysema due to severe hereditary deficiency of Alpha1-PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Glassia infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with alpha1–proteinase inhibitor. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here. 

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Glassia treatments because:

• ALL private suites
• Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
• Evening & weekend appointments
• Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
• Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks