Who is Xolair intended for?
Omalizumab (brand name XOLAIR) is a prescription medication that has shown significant results in reducing asthma attacks and improving symptom control for people who are:
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Age 12 years or older.
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Have moderate to severe persistent asthma. This means they have one or more of the following:
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Daily asthma symptoms.
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Daily need for a rescue inhaler.
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Two to three asthma attacks per week.
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Inability to sleep through the night one or more nights per week, waking up with asthma symptoms.
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Continued symptoms even after regular use of corticosteroid inhalers (what is known as “controllers”).
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What is an antibody?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a substance naturally produced in the body in small amounts and plays a very important role in allergic asthma. If you have allergic asthma, your body produces more IgE when you breathe in air containing an allergen, leading to an asthma attack. This can trigger a series of chemical reactions in a process called the allergic inflammatory cascade, which occurs in allergic asthma.
What is the difference between Xolair and other asthma medications?
This medication comes as an injection containing an active ingredient from the class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used as an add-on treatment for severe allergic asthma caused by pollen, dander, and dust. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system activates and attacks these triggers, releasing IgE antibodies. This drug is specifically engineered to recognize the antibodies naturally produced by the body due to allergies. It binds to them, preventing them from attaching to allergens and also preventing them from binding to basophil cells and releasing the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. In other words, this drug prevents the body’s allergic reaction that leads to an asthma attack.
What are the possible side effects of Xolair?
The most common side effects reported by patients are:
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Reaction at the injection site (bruising, redness, warmth).
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Viral infections.
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Upper respiratory tract infections.
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Sinusitis.
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Headache.
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Sore throat.
Less common side effects include bone pain, leg pain, dizziness, joint pain, muscle pain, joint swelling, and hair loss.
Who should not take Xolair?
You should not take Xolair if you are allergic to Omalizumab or any of the ingredients in this medication.
How is Xolair taken?
The medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
How often is Xolair given?
Xolair is given once every two weeks or every four weeks, depending on the dose determined for each person based on body weight and IgE level.
How quickly does Xolair work?
It is very important to understand that Xolair takes time to start working. Therefore, if you do not notice a difference immediately, it does not mean the medication is ineffective. You should not reduce the dose of your other asthma medications without discussing it with your doctor, even if you feel better.
Can you take Xolair with your current medications?
Xolair can be taken together with other asthma medications; however, it is very important to tell your doctor that you are taking them before starting Xolair.
What should you do if you have an asthma attack?
If you have a sudden asthma attack, you should take your prescribed rescue medication and seek medical care as soon as possible. Xolair is not classified as a rescue medication and is not used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
