Omalizumab
Generic name: omalizumab [ OH-ma-LIZ-oo-mab ]
Brand names: Xolair, Xolair Prefilled Syringe
Dosage forms: subcutaneous powder for injection (150 mg); subcutaneous solution (150 mg/mL; 75 mg/0.5 mL)
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants
What is omalizumab?
Omalizumab is an antibody that helps decrease allergic responses in the body.
Omalizumab is used to treat moderate to severe asthma that is caused by allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is used when asthma symptoms are not controlled by asthma inhaled steroid medicine. Omalizumab is not a rescue medicine for treating an asthma attack.
Omalizumab is used to treat chronic hives (idiopathic urticaria) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old, after antihistamines have been tried without success.
Omalizumab is also used to treat nasal polyps in people 18 years of age and older when lled nasal corticosteroid medicines have not worked well.
Omalizumab is not for use in treating other allergies, rashes, or attacks of bronchospasm.
Warnings
Some people using this medicine have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction either right after the injection or hours later. Allergic reaction may occur even after using omalizumab regularly for a year or longer.
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to omalizumab: hives, rash; anxiety or fear; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); feeling like you might pass out; chest tightness, wheezing, feeling short of breath, difficult breathing; fast or weak heartbeats; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
If you also use an oral steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. Your symptoms may not improve right away once you start receiving omalizumab. For best results, keep receiving omalizumab as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment.
Use omalizumab regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use omalizumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection (fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling), or if you have ever had:
any other allergies (foods, polle...
