Can Xolair be self-administered at home?
Yes, you or your caregiver can learn how to give Xolair at home if you and your doctor agree that self-injection is appropriate.
- For children 12 years of age and older, the Xolair prefilled syringe or autoinjector may be self-injected under adult supervision.
- For children 1 to 11 years of age, only the Xolair prefilled syringe should be used and injected by a caregiver, as the autoinjector is not intended for this age group.
You will receive training on how to inject this medicine from your healthcare team. At first, you will receive the medication from your doctor in a healthcare setting. This allows your doctor to monitor you and treat you for side effects like a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), if this should occur.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death. Learn how to recognize anaphylaxis and talk to your doctor about how to identify the symptoms. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of “impending doom”
- flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm
- swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
What is Xolair approved to treat?
Xolair (omalizumab) injection is approved to treat:
- moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma in patients 6 years of age and older
- chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older
- nasal polyps with sinus inflammation in adult patients 18 years of age and older
- food allergy (IgE-mediated) in adults and children aged 1 year and older to help reduce Type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods. To be used in conjunction with food allergen avoidance
Xolair is given by 1 or more injections under the skin (subcutaneously). It is given once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine your exact dose.
Use Xolair exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use the injection until you have been trained on how to do this. Once you have been trained, you can follow the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with your medicine to administer at home. If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Related: See the Xolair “Instructions for Use” under Patient Counseling Information.
This is not all the information you need to know about Xolair (omalizumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider's directions. Review the product information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider.
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References
- Xolair (omalizumab) prescribing information. 02/2024. Genetech Inc. South San Francisco, CA. Accessed Feb. 21, 2024 at https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/xolair_prescribing.pdf
- Xolair FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. Accessed August Feb 21, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/history/xolair.html
Read next
How does Xolair work?
Xolair works by preventing IgE from binding to IgE receptors on mast cells and basophils. This prevents mast cells and basophils from releasing histamine and heparin. Histamine narrows smooth muscle in the airways making it harder to breathe and also causes tissue swelling, itchy skin, hives, and other allergic-type symptoms. Heparin makes it harder for blood to clot. Continue reading
Does Xolair cause weight gain?
There were no reports of weight gain or weight loss in clinical trials with Xolair. Weight gain is more likely to be caused by corticosteroids, hydroxyzine, or antihistamines that may also be used to treat allergic asthma or hives. Continue reading
What is omalizumab's mechanism of action?
The omalizumab mechanism of action is designed to target IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody produced by the immune system. It works by inhibiting the binding of the IgE antibody to IgE receptors on cells that can lead to inflammation and worsened allergic symptoms. Continue reading
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