Omalizumab (Subcutaneous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2022.
AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of omalizumab. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of omalizumab, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate omalizumab therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after omalizumab administration. Health care providers administering omalizumab should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Selection of patients for self-administration of omalizumab should be based on criteria to mitigate risk from anaphylaxis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Xolair
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiasthma
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for omalizumab
Omalizumab injection is used to treat moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. It is used when a patient's asthma has not been controlled sufficiently on other asthma medicines. Omalizumab will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor will perform a skin or blood test to check if you have allergies to year-round allergens.
Omalizumab injection is also used to treat nasal polyps in patients who have tried other medicines (eg, nasal corticosteroids) but they did not work well enough.
Omalizumab injection is also used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) in patients who continue to have hives that are not controlled by an antihistamine (allergy medicine).
Omalizumab is a medicine called an IgE blocker. IgE is short for immunoglobulin E, a substance that occurs naturally in the body in small amounts. This substance plays an important role in allergic asthma. When people with allergic asthma breathe in a year-round allergen, such as cat or dog dander, their bodies make more IgE. This may cause a series of reactions in your body that can lead to asthma attacks and symptoms. Omalizumab works by helping to block IgE.
Omalizumab is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using omalizumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For omalizumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to omalizumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of omalizumab injection to treat asthma in children younger than 6 years of age, nasal polyps in children, and chronic idiopathic urticari..
