Xolair and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2015

For Urticaria "I had CIU for a year and a half before my first Xolair shot. For six months, I never went a day without hives, experienced lip swelling and face swelling once (never want that experience again). I was told by my allergist that I had exhausted all types of therapy, so Xolair was my last and only option. My first shot was in January, three days later, I was hive-free. I took monthly shots for six months, no hives, so we decided to try six weeks between shots, no hives. It is August now - no hives! Yes, it is expensive, but not being covered with hives from my head to my toes makes that worth it. I would agree that it has made me gain about 10 pounds, and I work out just about every day. I look like I am pregnant but am not ready to give up yet."

• E12...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2014

For Urticaria "I have had chronic idiopathic urticaria for over 17 years. Since I was 3, all I can remember is the stress, pain, embarrassment, etc. that this condition has caused me. Now, at age 20, I'm finally receiving the medicine I've been hoping and praying for. For a while, Doxepin combined with many different types of antihistamines worked to reduce the amount of hives I would get. Now, only prednisone will temporarily help my hives. Prednisone has caused me to gain weight. Nothing has worked to reduce my hives other than the prednisone, until I found Xolair. The shot did hurt, but it's worth the pain. Towards the end of my first shot, I did get a lot of hives. I'm hoping the next few reduce them even more. I am so happy to have Xolair!"

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2014

For Urticaria "I started taking Xolair, and while it eliminated my hives (yay!), I experienced terrible stomach problems (constant gas and bloating) and weight gain of about 10 lbs that I cannot seem to lose. (I'm small, so 10 lbs is a lot.) It's hugely annoying - I feel pregnant, and I am very active and fit and have always been able to maintain my weight, and now I can eat almost nothing and work out, and it's still there. Going off of Xolair, hope this problem resolves itself. Annoying!"

• Fay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 19, 2020

For Urticaria "I've been suffering for 18 years with this crazy hives. I did all the pills, I'm still taking 1 Zyrtec a day, one Singulair a day, 150 mg Xolair shot a month. I'm clean and clear, and thank God. Finally, after many years of misery, I thought I was the only person out there suffering. The shot has been a miracle for me, but I do agree with the sugar cravings and weight gain. I have to diet and watch what I eat all the time so I don't blow up, but I'm very grateful for the shot, it has changed my life back to normal."

• fee...
• June 8, 2015

For Urticaria "I had head-to-toe hives for the last 3-4 years. Antihistamines did nothing. After my first shot of Xolair, the hives went away for about 3 months. Then, after the 4th shot, they came back and stayed with me for another 3 months. I just had my ninth shot, and I've been hive-free for 3 months. I've put on weight that I can't explain, and I'm having more foods give me gas. These are not good side effects, but better than the constant itching."

• Jan...
• December 10, 2018

For Urticaria "I have had chronic urticaria for about 10 years. Tried acupuncture, which helped me reduce my allergy meds by half but not all the way. Then started Xolair 3 months ago. It helped with hives, and I was able to reduce my allergy pills to just 2 Zyrtec a day. However, I have a host of negative side effects: rash on my face that won’t go away, severe irritation of the lining inside my mouth, inflamed lips, and significant weight gain. I’ve decided it’s just not worth all these negative side effects, so I’m stopping Xolair."

• Bro...
• June 1, 2022

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."

• Lon...
• June 25, 2017

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."

• Jol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2023

For Asthma, Maintenance "I was on pre-filled injections twice a month for 6 months to treat my pulmonary aspergillosis and improve my IgE levels. This drug has ruined my life. Not only did it not help my breathing or IgE levels (went from a 1300-3000), but I went from 95 lbs to 112. I can’t stop eating since I got this. Plus, my legs, arms, and face swelled up, and I had heart palpitations. I discontinued the injections in November, and I’m still swollen and ravenous constantly. I’m trying to lose weight and control my hunger, but it is impossible! I read this stays in your system up to 6 months after stopping, so that could be why. I have no idea what this has done to me, but I’m furious that severe weight gain is not listed as a side effect. I went from a disciplined, extremely healthy person to being a completely out of control binge eater. I do not recommend this treatment to anyone!"