Xolair
® (
omalizumab) is a prescription medication used to prevent
asthma attacks in people with allergic
asthma. It is approved for use in people whose asthma is not adequately controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. Allergic asthma is asthma that is associated with an allergen. Allergens -- which can include pollen, dust mites, or grass -- are substances that cause allergic reactions. Allergic asthma is confirmed by a skin or blood test.
(Click Xolair Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
It is made by Genentech, Inc.
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, when you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). This inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating
(see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and the cells inside the airways produce more mucus. These reactions narrow the airways and make it harder to breathe.
Xolair is an
asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. These medicines are used to treat a wide variety of conditions (including asthma). Xolair works by binding to IgE antibodies. IgE antibodies play an important role in allergic reactions. Xolair can block the effects of allergic reactions by binding to IgE antibodies. By preventing allergic reactions, Xolair can help to prevent asthma attacks.
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
In previous clinical studies, people taking Xolair had fewer
asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking it. Xolair also reduced the number of
asthma exacerbations, helping to prevent severe
asthma attacks.
Xolair is not an asthma cure.
When and How to Take Xolair
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Xolair is a medication that is injected just under the skin. Generally, your healthcare provider will administer the injections.
- The injection is given every two to four weeks.
- Because some people have allergic reactions to Xolair, your healthcare provider may want to watch you for a while after you receive your injection.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Xolair your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your weight
- The results of a lab test measuring your IgE level.
As with any medication, do not adjust your Xolair dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Xolair. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Xolair include, but are not limited to:
- Injection site reactions (such as redness or pain near the injection site)
- Joint pain
- Body pain.
(Click Side Effects of Xolair to learn about specific side effects of the medication, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Xolair
There are no known drug interactions with Xolair.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In previous studies, high doses of Xolair did not cause serious problems. Because your healthcare provider injects the Xolair dose, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
Xolair will be stored at your healthcare provider's office. Once mixed, it may be kept in the refrigerator for up to eight hours or at room temperature for up to four hours before your injection. Because it takes at least 20 minutes for Xolair to dissolve, Xolair needs to be mixed beforehand.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Xolair as scheduled, contact your healthcare provider to schedule your injection as soon as possible.
Xolair comes in 150 mg vials that must be mixed with sterile water for injection before each use.
Is There a Generic Version of Xolair?
Currently, there is no generic Xolair licensed for sale.
