Xolair Therapy

Xolair therapy (omalizumab) for subcutaneous use is an injectable prescription medicine currently approved for patients 12 years of age and older. It is used for moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. Patients need to have a positive skin or blood tests to perennial allergen(s). Xolair is indicated for patients not controlled by appropriate inhaled corticosteroids and other conventional therapy. The dosage we use is based upon the patient’s weight and serum IgE level. These parameters will also determine if the dose is given every 2 or 4 weeks.

Xolair has been shown to reduce day and night-time symptoms of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Decreased nocturnal awakening, ER visits and hospitalizations have all been noted, along with reduced use of Prednisone and rescue inhalers. Pulmonary Function Tests have also improved.

Side effects are uncommon and include redness, swelling and soreness around the injection site. Rarely anaphylaxis has been reported. Patients receiving Xolair therapy should carry their EpiPen/Auvi-Q/Adrenaclick for 24 hours after an injection.

Xolair therapy can only be given after prior authorization and approval has been obtained from the patient’s insurance company. 

Recent data has shown that Xolair can be helpful for chronic idiopathic urticaria(hives). Please feel free to discuss treatment options with our medical staff.