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Xolair Side Effects

Generic name: omalizumab

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 20, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about omalizumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Xolair.

Applies to omalizumab: subcutaneous powder for solution, subcutaneous solution.

Warning

Subcutaneous route (Powder for Solution; Solution)

AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of omalizumab. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of omalizumab, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate omalizumab therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after omalizumab administration. Health care providers administering omalizumab should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Selection of patients for self-administration of omalizumab should be based on criteria to mitigate risk from anaphylaxis.

Serious side effects of Xolair

Along with its needed effects, omalizumab (the active ingredient contained in Xolair) 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omalizumab:

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Xolair

Some side effects of omalizumab 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

Less common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to omalizumab: subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

General

The more commonly reported side effects included injection site reactions, headache, and nasopharyngitis.[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Any injection site reaction, including pain, swelling, itching, redness, bruising, bleeding, induration, or mass (up to 45%), severe injection site reaction (up to 12%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arm swelling[Ref]

In clinical trials, any injection site reaction occurred in 45% and 43% of patients given this drug and placebo, respectively; severe reactions occurred in 12% and 9%, respectively.[Ref]

Immunologic

In clinical studies, viral infection occurred in 37% and 39% or patients given this drug or placebo, respectively. Increased parasitic infections, compared to placebo, were not statistically significant.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Viral infection (up to 37%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Moniliasis, parasitic infection

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anti-omalizumab antibody development

Postmarketing reports: Serum sickness, allergic granulomatous angiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome), lymphadenopathy[Ref]

Nervous system

In clinical trials, headache occurred in 37% of patients given either this drug (n=716) or placebo (n=694); headache occurred very commonly in patients 6 to 12 years old.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 27%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, vasovagal syncope, somnolence, paresthesia

Frequency not reported: Migraine, sinus headache[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Back pain (up to 13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, myalgia, sprains, strains, extremity pain, fracture

Postmarketing reports: Joint swelling[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, viral upper respiratory infection (URI), URI

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngitis, cough, allergic bronchospasm

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Laryngoedema

Frequency not reported: Asthma, oropharyngeal pain[Ref]

In clinical trials with chronic idiopathic urticarial, patients reported nasopharyngitis 9.1%, 6.6%, and 7% in 150 mg, 300 mg, and placebo, respectively; sinusitis (1.1%, 4.9%, 2.1%), cough (1.1%, 2.2%,1.2%), and upper respiratory infection (11.1%, 3.4%, 2.1%) were also reported by patients, respectively.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis, pruritus

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin rashes, flushing, photosensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, hair loss[Ref]

Other

In clinical trials, fever occurred very commonly in patients 6 to 12 years old.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Fever, earache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, post-injection phenomena[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

In clinical trials, upper abdominal pain was very common in patients 6 to 12 years old. In clinical trials with chronic idiopathic urticarial, patients reported nausea 1.1%, 2.7%, and 2.5% of the time with 150 mg, 300 mg, and placebo, respectively.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Upper abdominal pain, nausea

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis

Frequency not reported: Toothache[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactoid reactions[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Postural hypotension

Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema, arterial thrombotic events (including transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and cardiovascular death)

Postmarketing reports: Hypotension, chest tightness[Ref]

Hematologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asymptomatic platelet decreases

Postmarketing reports: Idiopathic severe thrombocytopenia, eosinophilic conditions[Ref]

In clinical trials, 0.6% of patients developed decreased platelet counts below the normal laboratory range; these patients did not have associated bleeding episodes or decreased hemoglobin.[Ref]

Metabolic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increases[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Anxiety[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Xolair (omalizumab). Genentech. 2003.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.