Reviews (155)Overview: Omalizumab is used for asthma, nasal polyps, to prevent serious reactions from food allergies, or a rare skin condition called chronic spontaneous urticaria. It seems to work by affecting the immune system to reduce swelling or inflammation from allergens. Common side effects may include dizziness, fever, headache, or tiredness. Serious side effects are less likely and may include infections or an increase in eosinophils (a specific type of white blood cell). Contact your health care provider right away if you notice symptoms of an infection or numbness or feeling pins and needles in the arms or legs.
Uses
What is omalizumab used for?
Omalizumab (Xolair) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Asthma
- A condition called chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- Preventing serious reactions in people with food allergies
- A rare skin condition called chronic spontaneous urticaria
Learn more about Xolair chronic rhinosinusitis.
Learn more about Xolair for food allergies.
Learn more about Xolair for chronic hives.
Learn more about Xolair for severe allergic asthma.
Omalizumab may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does omalizumab work (mechanism of action)?
Omalizumab blocks a substance in the body called immunoglobulin E (IgE) from working the way that it usually would. The body produces large amounts of IgE when it senses an allergen (a substance that causes allergies). Blocking IgE can decrease the swelling (inflammation) that occurs when the body responds to an allergen.
How is omalizumab supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Omlyclo
- Xolair
Dosage forms and strengths
- 75 mg/0.5 mL, 150 mg/mL, 300 mg/2 mL single-dose prefilled autoinjectors
- 75 mg/0.5 mL, 150 mg/mL, 300 mg/2 mL single-dose prefilled syringes
- 150 mg single-dose vials
How should I store omalizumab?
Omalizumab should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). It can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 2 days or 7 days depending on the specific product you are using. Check the product labeling for specifics or ask you pharmacist if you are not sure. You should not heat or freeze omalizumab or expose it to direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of omalizumab?
The most common side effects of omalizumab are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Dizziness
- Earache
- Fever
- Headache
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Itching, swelling, or redness of the skin
- Pain in the joints, legs, or arms
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Tiredness
There may be other side effects of omalizumab that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of omalizumab?
While less common, the most serious side effects of omalizumab are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Omalizumab may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions are possible even up to 4 days after using omalizumab. Stop using omalizumab and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Fever, Joint Pain, and Rash. Some people may have fever, joint pain, and skin rash after receiving a dose of omalizumab. Some people may also have swollen lymph nodes. Tell your health care provider if you notice these symptoms within five days after receiving a dose of omalizumab.
Cancer. A small number of people who used omalizumab had cancer. It is not clear if omalizumab increases the risk for cancer. Let your health care provider know if you or your family has a history of cancer.
High Eosinophil Levels. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that helps to fight disease. In some people, omalizumab can cause eosinophil levels to rise. Small increases in eosinophil levels do not usually cause any symptoms. However, large increases in eosinophil levels can cause serious adverse effects, including inflammation of the lungs or blood vessels. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of these conditions.
- Chest pain
- Cough (worse than normal)
- Fever
- Numbness or feeling pins and needles in the arms or legs
- Rash
- Shortness of breath (worse than normal)
Parasite Infection. Omalizumab might make it harder for your body to fight certain parasite infections caused by worms (helminths). Tell your health care provider if you have a worm infection so it can be treated before you start omalizumab. If you become infected with a worm, such as pinworm, tell your health care provider. They may stop your omalizumab treatment until after the worm infection is treated.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use omalizumab?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use omalizumab.
- Omalizumab
- Omlyclo
- Xolair
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the omalizumab products they carry.
What should I know about omalizumab before using it?
Do not use omalizumab unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share omalizumab with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep omalizumab out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Omalizumab is a medicine that is used on a regular schedule to prevent symptoms. Do not use it when a quick response to an allergic reaction or breathing problems is needed. If you have asthma and have sudden breathing problems, inhaled medicines (sometimes called rescue inhalers) should be used. If you have a serious allergic reaction, use an emergency medicine like epinephrine and get medical help right away.
If you are already using other medicines to treat your condition, do not stop taking those medicines after you start omalizumab. Tell your health care provider which medicines you are using. Your health care provider will work with you on a plan to either continue or stop your other medicines.
What should I tell my health care provider before using omalizumab?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if omalizumab is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Latex Allergy. The needle cap on some omalizumab prefilled syringes contains latex. Let your health care provider know if you have an allergy to latex.
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Bronchospasm (sudden breathing problems)
- Cancer
- History of a parasite infection
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how omalizumab could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if omalizumab passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does omalizumab interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between omalizumab and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect omalizumab.
Does omalizumab interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between omalizumab and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much omalizumab?
If you or someone else has used too much omalizumab, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of omalizumab?
Call your health care provider to find out when you should inject your next dose.
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