Xolair (Omalizumab) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma

Before we present the typical symptoms of asthma, we should dispel some common myths about this condition. This is best achieved by conducting a short true or false quiz.

T or F - Asthma is "all in the mind."
T or F - You will "grow out of it."
T or F - Asthma can be cured, so it is not serious and nobody dies from it.
T or F - You are likely to develop asthma if someone in your family has it.
T or F - You can "catch" asthma from someone else who has it.
T or F - Moving to a different location, such as the desert, can cure asthma.
T or F - People with asthma should not exercise.
T or F - Asthma is best controlled when one has an asthma management plan designed by your doctor. This should include the medications used for quick relief as well as maintenance therapy.
T or F - Medications used to treat asthma are habit...

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Xolair Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Xolair

Generic Name: omalizumab (Pronunciation: OH ma LIZ oo mab)

What is omalizumab (Xolair)?

Omalizumab is an antibody that helps decrease allergic responses in the body.

Omalizumab is used to treat moderate to severe asthma that is caused by allergies in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Omalizumab is usually given after other asthma medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Omalizumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of omalizumab (Xolair)?

Some people using omalizumab have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to this medication, either right after the injection or hours later. Allergic reaction may occur even after using the medication regularly for a year or longer.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

wheezing, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing;
hives or skin rash;
feeling anxious or light-headed, fainting;
warmth or tingling under your skin; or
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other serious side effects include easy bruising or bleeding, numbness, or unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

pain;
headache, tired feeling;
joint or muscle pain;
dizziness;
ear pain;
hair loss;
mild itching or skin rash;
sore throat or cold symptoms; or
redness, bruising, warmth, burning, stinging, itching, pain, or swelling of your skin where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about omalizumab (Xolair)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: wheezing, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing; hives or skin rash; feeling anxious or light-headed, fainting; warmth or tingling under your skin; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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.

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.

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