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What is Xolair approved for?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xolair (generic name: omalizumab) is approved to treat asthma triggered by allergies, sinus inflammation with nasal polyps, chronic hives and to help reduce allergic reactions due to accidental exposure to certain foods (along with avoiding foods to which you are allergic). It is not used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Xolair is prescribed for:

Asthma

Nasal Polyps

Chronic Hives

Related questions

Food Allergy Reduction

Xolair is given by an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) from a prefilled syringe or from a vial and needle. Xolair is given in one or more injections under the skin (subcutaneous), once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine your dose.

If approved by your doctor, you or your caregiver can be trained to administer the Xolair dose at home using the prefilled syringe. For your first few doses, your doctor will give the medicine in a medical facility to monitor you for side effects like severe allergies.

Xolair is typically used when other treatments have not been effective to control your symptoms.

Xolair is not used to treat other allergic conditions, other forms of hives, or sudden breathing problems.

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 talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Xolair information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

How long before Xolair starts working?

Free serum IgE levels are decreased within an hour of Xolair administration. However it may take several months for the full effects of Xolair to be seen, although some symptom improvement may be noted after a few weeks. Significant improvements were noted after 4 months in those with allergic asthma, after 3 months in those with chronic urticaria, and after 16 to 20 weeks in those with Ig-E-mediated food allergies. Continue reading

How does Xolair affect IgA and IgE levels?

Xolair demonstrates a highly selective effect on immunoglobulin levels in the body, with significant impacts on IgE but no meaningful effect on IgA or other immunoglobulin classes. This selective action is central to omalizumab's therapeutic value in treating IgE-mediated allergic conditions while minimizing broader immune system disruption.

Continue reading

Does Xolair cause hair loss?

Hair loss (alopecia), has been reported in Xolair clinical studies in at least 2% of people with chronic hives. Hair loss has also been noted in several case reports with Xolair. The hair loss effect appears to be transient, lasting from 3 to 4 months. Due to limited data, the exact cause of hair loss or how often it occurs is not known. Continue reading

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