Omalizumab, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: monoclonal antibody; asthma treatment

Generic and brand names: omalizumab, injection; Xolair

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to prevent allergic asthma attacks. It does not treat other types of asthma not caused by allergies. It does not stop attacks that have already started. Your healthcare provider will prescribe another medicine to be used during an attack.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Talk with your healthcare provider if you use another medicine during asthma attacks, or any oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicine. Do not use this medicine for an acute asthma attack.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

These shots are given by a healthcare provider. Usually you will need injections 2 to 4 weeks apart. Your healthcare provider will determine the dosage based on blood tests and body weight. Keep all your appointments for shots.

Do not stop using this medicine or any other asthma medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not reduce the dose of any other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider right away if your asthma or other breathing problem gets worse.

Rarely, this medicine causes an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to blood products. If you develop tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, hives, itching over your upper body, or swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat, contact your healthcare provider or get emergency medical treatment immediately.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Other: Redness, bruising, warmth, burning, or tenderness at the spot where the injection is given; joint pain; headache; chills; fever; runny nose; sore throat; tiredness; dizziness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.