Omalizumab



XolairŽ







Omalizumab

(oh mah lye ZOO mab)

U.S. Brand Names
XolairŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Monoclonal Antibody, Anti-Asthmatic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to omalizumab or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat moderate to severe asthma. You may not see improvement in your symptoms right away.
How does it work?
  • Omalizumab blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin every 2-4 weeks.
  • Usually, this medicine is given by your healthcare provider.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call your healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Long-term use may increase your risk of cancer.
  • This medicine is not helpful during an asthma attack.
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Ear pain.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Allergic reactions can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Monitor asthma with peak flow meter.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe muscle pain.
  • Significant weight gain or loss.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • If stored at home, follow directions given by healthcare provider.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: