Omalizumab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Yo ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2019

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I have had CIU (chronic idiopathic urticaria) on and off for about 20 years. I had a long span of many years where the hives disappeared, but then one day, they returned. I have been on Xolair for about a year, and it worked... until 2 weeks ago. Now I am having aggressive hives after having virtually none this past year. Xolair clearly worked when I started the medication, so I am sticking with it for now. I have zero side effects from Xolair. I am concerned it seems to have stopped working, however. I will have to do some research on vitamin D and CIU."

• MMK...
• December 22, 2014

For Urticaria "At 32 years old, I suddenly developed chronic hives after having zero allergies my entire life. After three months of antihistamines that did nothing and large doses of prednisone that caused extreme weight gain and mood issues, I was able to start Xolair, and my hives cleared within days. Today was my 4th set of shots, and I continue to be free from all hives. I've read the horror stories of people suffering for decades before this treatment came out, and I am unbelievably thankful that I was able to start so soon after my diagnosis. It's incredibly expensive, but the manufacturer has multiple programs to help people with and without insurance to cover the cost."

• Alp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I'm on here because my mom takes these shots for idiopathic chronic hives. It isn't working for her unfortunately. We live states apart, and I've had some similar allergic reactions to some of you, but I had some luck in discovering the foundation for it. It's a 'rare' but becoming much more common allergy to mammalian meat and all mammal meat by-products caused by a tick bite called Alpha Gal allergy. Itchy hands and feet and delayed reaction are big indicators for it. There is a simple blood test to find out, and then you have to avoid mammal meat and their products like the plague. You can still eat poultry and fish, etc., but for some severe cases, you have to be a strict vegan about EVERYTHING. You would not believe the amount of everyday products that use the fat from a cow or the blood of a pig, etc. pretty gross, actually. Once you eliminate most to all of these, life improves dramatically! Anyway, hope this helps some of you!!!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2018

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "My experience with Xolair was life-changing. I struggled with chronic asthma and allergies my whole childhood and teenage years. My allergist prescribed this shot to me, so I could eventually be healthy enough to receive allergy shots. I started Xolair at age 13 and received my last dose of it when I was 16. Xolair was worth the pain, time, and money. The serum is extremely thick, and I received 3 shots of it every 2 weeks, but nothing compares to the quality of life I have now. I recommend this drug to anyone who has exhausted all options, who has maxed out on maintenance medication, who frequently finds themselves on Prednisone and antibiotics for the common cold, and can't remain healthy enough to receive allergy shots."

• pba...
• November 19, 2019

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "I have been taking the Xolair shots for 4 months now, and I have really bad leg pain, and my feet hurt, headaches, and dizziness. When I said something to my doctor about it, he said I must have hurt myself, no side effects of the shots. I'm tired all the time. It really has helped me, but I'm tired of the side effects."

• Hiv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I have suffered with hives since I was pregnant with my first child - 7 years ago! I tried everything! Seen an allergist, omitted foods, drinks, soaps - everything. Multiple trips to the ER and steroids. I suffer from migraines but can't take any ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol, or Motrin because they give me hives so bad that my hands swell up nearly to my elbows now. I discovered Xolair and just had my first 2 injections yesterday! Took a while for insurance to approve it. So far, I feel fine other than a sore throat, but not sure if that's an actual side effect or my daughter sharing her cold, hehe. I read so many of these positive posts, and I am so excited to have started treatment!!"

• Ami...
• September 16, 2016

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I have been battling with hives on and off for almost 15 years. I went to see my local allergist, and he said if antihistamines are not working, change your lifestyle, such as diet, hair products, etc. I gave up hope, and one day, I started looking again as my hives were out of control. I got a second opinion from another allergist, and he put me on Xolair. I received my first shot last week, and I haven't had any hives since then. My face is clear, and knock on wood, hope it stays this way. Such a relief. If you have tried everything and nothing has worked, which was my situation, give Xolair a shot. It's expensive if you don't have insurance, but if you do have insurance, I would suggest giving it a try."

• Sha...
• October 15, 2016

Omalizumab for Urticaria "Had it for 4 1/2 years. Multiple doctors and medications, this is the only one that worked and gave me my life back. The side effects (hard time losing weight) are worth not being covered in thousands of hives."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2025

Omalizumab for Asthma "I have really bad allergies that turn into asthma attacks. Every season change, I start coughing to the point of wheezing. My doctor put me on Xolair. I just finished my third injection. Since my last injection, I have seen the results. For those that have bad allergies, the cost is worth it. Now all I have to do is go to the doctor's office, get a 300 mg injection. I have had no major side effects."

• Daw...
• March 5, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I started my Xolair shots in May 2016 after suffering hive outbreaks for 5 plus years. The shot worked immediately. I had 9 injections once monthly. Then I had a new insurance provider, which requires me to start the regime of Allegra, Zantac, and Hydroxyzine HCL two times daily, then adding Singulair. Two days on Singulair, I had horrible outbreaks, called my allergy doctor, continued on with other meds, waiting to get approved for Xolair. The shot can't come soon enough. Now I just hope I can afford it."

• a_n...
• January 18, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I'm a male in my mid 30s. Had hives for 3-6 month stretches with 3-6 month breaks since I was 15 years old. Symptoms were as bad as most people on here, but never needed a hospital visit. Got on Xolair shortly after it was approved by the FDA, around 2-1/2 years ago. Hives were gone within 24 hours, and usually the only hive I see is if I'm over-extending my time between shots. Started at 2 shots per visit (300 mg total) every 4 weeks. Now taking 300 mg every 6 weeks. Works like a charm. Wish they could get the cost down. Even with insurance and assistance programs, I still end up paying a large amount out of pocket. All in all, a VERY effective medication that I wish had been available years ago!"

• lmo...
• November 23, 2009

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "My son's life is a lot better now that he is receiving this treatment. Why is this medication so expensive? We are on a scholarship through a hospital. My son started treatment in Feb 2009, and his absent rate has gone down. We were in the emergency room too many times. The schools in LA County were going to call the D.A., even with legal doctor's notes. This medication has helped us, and my son went from a 'D' to an 'A' and honor roll!"

• kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2013

For Urticaria "Chronic hideous urticaria, 17 years. Tried hundreds of antihistamines and off-label doses of stage 2 treatments, steroid-dependent daily for 13 years. Received omalizumab, within 36 hours, completely hive-free. Only downfall, have to get 3 shots every 2 weeks, but small price to pay. It's a miracle."

• Moo...
• November 3, 2016

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I'm 58 and female. After a hive-free life, I left my home in the S.J. Valley, where the air is terrible (pollen and allergens are bad) to go to Hungary. I had no problem there, but as soon as I got back, I had lost all immunity to the valley, and hives came. After 9 months of hives, huge and tiny, itching, burning swelling hands, bottom of feet itch and swell, 2 trips to the ER for anaphylactic shock, epipen, prednisone, Benadryl, 2 Kenalog shots, Singulair, Zantac, Xyzal, Zyrtec, and Xanax, after much research, I found Xolair is the only med approved for hives. I FINALLY got started. I am getting 150mg every 2 weeks rather than 300mg p/mo. It seems slow but gradually better. Still get rash, hives shrunk size and amount, only need 2 pills/not 12. Hopeful."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 25, 2017

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "I have had asthma all my life. As I got older, it has worsened. I was continuously on steroids. I'm 1 1/2 years post-op of my Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) procedures. I receive Xolair once a month. To be honest, it was the best decision I've made. My asthma has remarkably improved, and I'm living a life I thought I'd never have. I went dancing, and I actually stayed up on the dance floor waiting for the next song. I'm able to go motorcycling and not worry how long I can stay out if I'm going to get winded, where I'm in need of a nebulizer treatment. I'm fully aware I still have asthma, where I go my rescue inhalers and my EpiPen go with me. I'm now enjoying my life, thanks to BT and Xolair."

• sel...
• October 6, 2015

For Urticaria "I'm 22 years old. I consider myself an extremely healthy individual. I got sick with a virus. I started to get mild hives. Eventually, I felt a lot better, but my hives persisted. I saw a few specialists, got tested, lots of blood drawn. My hives were caused by an autoimmune reaction. My hives continued to get worse daily for over two months, to the point where my entire face was swelling. Doctors gave me four times the amount of antihistamines to take daily, those did well to control it, but they still lingered. After the first week of my first Xolair injection, my hives completely disappeared. I continued to take the injection for the next two months and still am, but I am hive free! Not one hive! No side effects! I couldn't be happier with the results."

• Aly...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2018

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I had been getting hives head to toe for 3 years before trying Xolair. Honestly, it was so miserable. I had two allergists trying me on prednisone, Singulair, doxepin, something like that (in short, it was a crazy pill regimen), and that didn't even alleviate the hives in the slightest - just made me depressed and jittery. Until one day, I went to a new doctor and he let me try Xolair. Immediately after the first shot, my hives were 80% better, and by the second shot, 4 weeks later, I was 100% no hives. My skin is super sensitive in general, so sometimes I still get itchy, or if I go past my 4 weeks, some hives develop again. But it is so much better than waking up red, blotchy, and itchy every freaking day. Xolair has really changed my life. Although, I wish it was more definite when I can get off of it. I think you kind of just have to wait for your body allergies to change (meanwhile Xolair will still suppress the hives). All in all, I would still get on it if I had to do it again."

• Bro...
• June 1, 2022

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I don't recommend. I developed severe side effects after the third month of injections, 300 mg, when changed to the abdomen. Side effects too severe to continue treatment. Limited space, so will list all symptoms, but some were severe skeletal, muscle and joint pain, severe muscle tightness, intense fatigue, severe insomnia, rapid weight gain, debilitating GI distress, tightness of bilateral Achilles tendons, dry and prickly skin, dry eyes, hair loss, toothache, earache, hot flashes, and stopped menses."

• Hon...
• June 12, 2018

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "Highly recommend Xolair. Was in the clinical trials for Xolair well over 10 years ago. Before Xolair, I was a severe asthmatic who could be found in the hospital almost monthly due to allergic asthma. I received 2 injections every 2 weeks... until I became allergic to it. The company requested - and received - my DNA in order to help them understand why I became allergic and to help others in the future. Xolair was a miracle drug for me - and still is. We don't know why, but it seems to have had a residual effect of some sort with me. A year after stopping the injections, I was stung 2-3 times by yellow jackets. I would have immediately gone into anaphylaxis without the residual effect of the Xolair. Instead, I drove myself to the ER (EpiPen ready to use) without any problems. There was a 'typical' reaction of swelling and pain around the site of the stings with no other reactions."

• itc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I have been receiving Xolair injections for about a year and a half for chronic hives. It has gotten rid of it about 90 percent. Once in a while, I still need one or two 25 mg Benadryl tabs, but overall it seems to be working. I get 150 mg injections every 2 weeks. The only side effect is every time I get an injection, within a few days I get 1 hive about 5 inches below the injection site. It itches and resembles a bug bite. I know it's from Xolair because I switch arms, and it always happens on whichever arm. I have noticed fatigue and exhaustion, but not sure that is Xolair related. Sometimes still get pressure hives from underwear where elastic hits, but overall much better. Had an insurance problem, missed a month, hives returned, but okay now."

• Kry...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 22, 2020

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "I started Xolair to treat CIU (chronic idiopathic urticaria) and have always had asthma. It took about 2 injections before I started to see a difference. Now I’m basically hive-free for 3 weeks out of the month. It starts to come back when I’m due for my next shot, then goes away after a few days. My breathing is so much better. My side effects were pretty severe anxiety, but hydroxizine helped with that, some leg cramps, and joint pain, but I am so thankful and happy I can live a normal life now! Thank you, Xolair!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I'm taking Xolair for idiopathic chronic urticaria (UCI) after a few years of random allergic reactions (unknown origin) despite 3+ years of allergy shots. My allergist and I have never been able to identify the cause. He recommended Xolair because I have severe asthma as well (allergic, exercise-induced, and environmental), which was not responding well to 3 inhalers, prednisone, nebulizer treatments (multiple types), allergy meds/shots, etc. Since starting Xolair over 2 years ago, my UCI has virtually disappeared, and my asthma is dramatically better. I can actually go weeks without using Spiriva, Dulera, Qvar, albuterol, etc."

• Lon...
• June 25, 2017

Omalizumab for Urticaria "Chronic hives for 1 year - took all the antihistamines and prednisone. The only thing that kicked the hives was a prednisolone pack that I recently took after the Xolair shot did not work. I have had 8 Xolair shots (monthly injections), and at first, they were very effective. After the 6th one, I had recurring hives and angioedema return, so I am back on a large dose of Allegra and am nightly taking hydroxyzine. Xolair seems to help with the size of the hives and the amount when breaking out. Weight gain is definitely noticed, but due to prednisone prior to the shot, I can't be certain it is all due to Xolair. Will continue on Xolair and perhaps look at a Kenalog shot."

• 70i...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2017

Omalizumab for Asthma, Maintenance "At the age of 67, I developed allergic asthma after moving to SW Florida. I've had chronic sinusitis for years but controlled it with O/C medications. The multiple asthma attacks (with lack of breath) were daily. I had to use inhalers and a nebulizer. After 2 years of trying different medications, the allergist said, 'we're going to try Xolair.' Used it for 6 months and no change. Have now been changed to Nucala. Too early to tell its effects. An inhaler called QVAR seems to be keeping me in good health until the Nucala does its job."

• Mim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 12, 2019

Omalizumab for Urticaria "I have been on Xolair for the past 2 years for idiopathic urticaria (IU), and it worked great until we switched to the prefilled vials. Now they do not work at all. I will be going back to see if the medication starts to work for me again. I do not want this drug to stop working as my IU was fairly under control. I am so miserable. I hope that I do not have to go on steroids. Has anyone asked about using Dupixent? I think I am going to ask at my next app."