Generic name:omalizumab [ OH-ma-LIZ-oo-mab ]
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants
What is Xolair?
Xolair is an antibody that helps decrease allergic responses in the body.
Xolair is used to treat moderate to severe asthma that is caused by allergies in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Xolair is used when asthma symptoms are not controlled by asthma inhaled steroid medicine. It is not a rescue medicine for treating an asthma attack.
Xolair 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.
Xolair is also used to treat nasal polyps in people 18 years of age and older when medicines called nasal corticosteroids have not worked well.
Warnings
Some people using Xolair have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction either right after the injection or hours later. Allergic reaction may occur even after using Xolair regularly for a year or longer.
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Xolair: 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 doct...
