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In this Article

• What is omalizumab (Xolair)?
• What are the possible side effects of omalizumab (Xolair)?
• What is the most important information I should know about omalizumab (Xolair)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using omalizumab (Xolair)?
• How should I use omalizumab (Xolair)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Xolair)?
• What happens if I overdose (Xolair)?
• What should I avoid while using omalizumab (Xolair)?
• What other drugs will affect omalizumab (Xolair)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using omalizumab (Xolair)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to omalizumab.

Before using omalizumab, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other medicines.

Using this medication may increase your risk of certain types of cancers of the breast, skin, prostate, or salivary gland. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

While you are using omalizumab, you may also have an increased risk of becoming infected with parasites (worms) if you live in or travel to areas where such infections are common. Talk with your doctor about what to look for and how to treat this condition.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while you are using this medication or within 8 weeks after receiving at least one dose of omalizumab. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether omalizumab had any effect on the baby.

Omalizumab may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give omalizumab to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use omalizumab (Xolair)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Omalizumab is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Omalizumab is usually given every 2 or 4 weeks.

You will need to mix omalizumab powder with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Omalizumab will not treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It does not work fast enough to reverse the symptoms of an attack of asthma or bronchospasm. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat an asthma attack.

Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.

Your symptoms may not improve right away once you start receiving omalizumab. For best results, keep receiving the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment.

It is important to use omalizumab regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor may want you to have allergy tests and lung function tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store omalizumab in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze.

After mixing the powder and diluent, you may store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 8 hours. Do not freeze. Do not use the mixed medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it.