Why is it prescribed?
Xolair® contains omalizumab.
Omalizumab decreases the incidence of asthma flare-ups and improve control of asthma symptoms.
Side Effects
Xolair® contains omalizumab.
Along with its needed effects, omalizumab may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Often, people using omalizumab never experience any unwanted effects. The severity and duration
of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, and individual response.
Possible unwanted effects include:
- injection-site reactions (bruising, redness, warmth, burning, stinging, or other discomfort around the injection site)
- viral and respiratory tract infections
- sinus infections
- headache
- sore throat
Less common:
Rare:
- allergic reactions (e.g. rash, hives, swelling of the tongue and throat)
Precautions and Warnings for Xolair®
Xolair® contains omalizumab
Omalizumab is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
It is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking.
Adding omalizumab to treatment with inhaled steroids (e.g. fluticasone) has been shown to reduce the number of asthma attacks. It has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.
Oral or inhaled corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, fluticasone) should not be abruptly stopped upon starting omalizumab therapy.
Use is not recommended in the following situations: - allergy to omalizumab or any component of the formulation
Caution is recommended in the following situations:
- diabetes
- glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome
- fructose intolerence or sucrose-isomaltase deficiency
Use in pregnancy: If you suspect that you might be pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Use while breastfeeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breastfeeding.
Patient Information
Xolair® has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of asthma flare-ups and improve control of asthma symptoms in people who:
- -are 12 years of age and above
- -have moderate to severe persistent asthma
- -have asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air
- -continue to have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids (e.g. Flovent®)
Xolair® is supplied as a powder in a small glass vial and is to be stored in a refrigerator (2 to 8 degrees centigrade). Prior to injection your doctor or nurse will dissolve the medication in sterile water. Your doctor or nurse will give you Xolair® as an injection just under the skin. Upon mixing the medicine with the sterile water the solution becomes thick and therefore the injection may take 5 to 10 seconds to administer. Based on your dose, your doctor will also tell you if you need 1,2, or 3 injections per dose. If you need more than 1 injection per dose, each will be given in a different area of your body. You will probably need to continue taking your current asthma medications during Xolair® treatment but after 16 weeks you may be able to reduce or stop your current asthma medications. Your doctor will discuss this with you. You should not reduce the dose of other asthma medications without first discussing this with your doctor, even if you are feeling better. Xolair® is a maintenance or controlled asthma medication. You will receive it on a regular schedule. Continue receiving Xolair® injections even when you are feeling well. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergy (e.g. rash, itching, and swelling of the tongue and throat).
Directions for Use
The usual recommended dose is 150 to 375 mg subcutaneously (injected under the skin) every 2 or 4 weeks.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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