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Omalizumab

Pronounced

"oh-mal-IZ-oo-mab"

Common brand names:

Xolair

Uses

Omalizumab is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma that is due to year-round allergens. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and cuts down on time lost from work or school. Omalizumab may also be used to treat certain growths in the nose (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps) or to treat hives from an unknown cause (chronic spontaneous urticaria-CSU).

Omalizumab is also used in people with a certain type of food allergy (IgE-mediated food allergy) while continuing to avoid food allergens. It may help lower the risk of having serious allergic reactions.

This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used as an emergency treatment for serious allergic reactions or to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol, salbutamol) as prescribed.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using omalizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 or 4 weeks. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). The first dose is given by a health care professional and you will be monitored in case you have a severe allergic reaction. Later doses may be given by a health care professional or at home. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For the treatment of asthma, nasal polyps, and food allergies, the dosage is also based on your weight and labs.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. For a more comfortable injection, take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 to 45 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication in any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or damaged, or into moles or scars. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to get the next dose.

Get medical help right away if your asthma symptoms worsen or if you are using your quick-relief inhaler more than usual or more often than prescribed.