oh-ma-LIZ-oo-mab
Anaphylaxis, presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of omalizumab. Anaphylaxis may occur after the first dose or beyond 1 year after beginning omalizumab. Monitor patients closely after omalizumab administration and be prepared to manage life-threatening anaphylactic reactions .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Xolair
Available Dosage Forms:
- 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.
Omalizumab is a medicine called an IgE blocker. IgE is short for immunoglobulin E. IgE is 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 available only with your doctor's prescription.
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 have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of omalizumab injection in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of omalizumab injection in the elderly.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | B | Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper Use of omalizumab
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you omalizumab. Omalizumab is given as a shot under your skin.
You will receive omalizumab once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your dose will be determined by your IgE level, which your doctor will measure with a simple blood test before treatment begins, and your body weight. Based on your dose, your doctor will also tell you if you will need 1, 2, or 3 injections per dose. If you need more than 1 injection, each will be given in a different place on your body.
Omalizumab is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. It is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking. Never suddenly stop taking, or change the dose of your inhaled steroids or any other asthma medicine you are taking unless your doctor tells you to do so.
omalizumab should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Precautions While Using omalizumab
If you stop receiving omalizumab injections, your symptoms can be expected to return.
You may not see immediate improvement in your asthma after omalizumab treatment begins. It takes time for the medicine to work. It is important to continue your omalizumab injections until your doctor tells you otherwise.
omalizumab may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, flushing, itching, hives, feeling warm, swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing after receiving omalizumab.
A rare but serious condition called eosinophilia (increased white blood cells in the body) may occur while you are receiving this medication. A condition called vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) may also be present. Eosinophilia can be serious and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have worsening lung symptoms, rash or bruising of the skin, fever, chest pain, or burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet after receiving omalizumab.
Your doctor will ask you to remain at the healthcare facility or clinic for at least two hours after each injection to watch for immediate side effects that can be serious.
Using omalizumab may increase your risk of getting certain cancers or infections. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using omalizumab. omalizumab may affect the results of certain medical tests.
omalizumab Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
- Cough
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives
- itching
- malignant tumor
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More Common
- Bleeding
- blistering
- body aches or pain
- burning
- chills
- cold or flu-like symptoms
- coldness
- congestion
- discoloration of the skin
- dryness or soreness of the throat
- feeling of pressure
- fever
- headache
- hoarseness
- itching
- leg pain
- lumps
- muscle or joint pain
- numbness
- pain
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- redness
- runny nose
- scarring
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- sore throat
- soreness
- stinging
- stuffy or runny nose
- swelling
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- tenderness
- tingling
- trouble with swallowing
- ulceration
- voice changes
- warmth
- Arm pain
- blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
- body produces substance that can bind to drug making it less effective or cause side effects
- cracked, dry, or scaly skin
- earache
- itching skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: omalizumab Subcutaneous side effects (in more detail)
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More omalizumab Subcutaneous resources
- Omalizumab Subcutaneous Side Effects (in more detail)
- Omalizumab Subcutaneous Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Omalizumab Subcutaneous Drug Interactions
- Omalizumab Subcutaneous Support Group
- 9 Reviews for Omalizumab Subcutaneous - Add your own review/rating
Compare omalizumab Subcutaneous with other medications
- Asthma, Maintenance
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