Xolair

 
Generic Name: omalizumab

Brands: Xolair

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What is the most important information I should know about Xolair?

· Continue to take other asthma medications exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking or reduce the dosage of other asthma medications without first talking to your doctor. Improvement in asthma symptoms may not occur immediately after starting treatment with Xolair.

 

What is Xolair?

· Xolair is a medication that binds to a substance in the body called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When IgE binds to receptors on certain cells, an allergic respnose may occur. Xolair prevents IgE from binding to these cells, and therefore decreases allergic response.

· Xolair is used in the treatment of asthma caused by allergies.

· Xolair may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Xolair?

· Before taking Xolair, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medicines. You may not be able to take Xolair or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Xolair is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Xolair without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Xolair passes into breast milk. Do not take Xolair without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Xolair?

· Take Xolair exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Xolair is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. Xolair is usually given by a healthcare provider. If you are injecting Xolair at home, follow the directions given by your healthcare provider to mix and administer the injection.

· Xolair is usually injected every 2 or 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's directions.

· It is important to use Xolair regularly to get the most benefit.

· Continue to take other asthma medications exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking or reduce the dosage of other asthma medications without first talking to your doctor. Improvement in asthma symptoms may not occur immediately after starting treatment with Xolair.

· Your doctor may want you to have allergy tests, lung function tests, or other medical evaluations during treatment with Xolair to monitor progress and side effects.

· If you are storing Xolair at home, keep it in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), protected from light.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Xolair.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· An overdose of Xolair is unlikely to threaten life. No symptoms associated with an overdose of Xolair have been reported. Contact your healthcare provider, an emergency room, or a poison control center if an overdose of Xolair is suspected.

 

What should I avoid while taking Xolair?

· There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Xolair unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Xolair?

· Stop using Xolair and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to the medication.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Xolair and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache;     ·redness, bruising, warmth, burning, stinging, itching, pain, or inflammation at the injection site; or     ·sore throat or cold symptoms.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Xolair?

· No other drugs are known to interact with Xolair. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products without first talking to your doctor during treatment with Xolair.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Xolair written for health professionals that you may read.

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