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Medicines/Generics/Omalizumab

Omalizumab

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
Omalizumab (Xolair) injection is used to reduce the risk of severe food allergy reactions ( anaphylaxis ) and help improve allergic asthma , nasal polyps , and chronic hives symptoms. Omalizumab works by targeting specific proteins in the immune system to reduce allergy symptoms. Omalizumab is given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks and can be self-injected using a pen (autoinjector) or a prefilled syringe. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE antibody that works by blocking a protein (IgE ) that plays a key role in allergic responses. Omalizumab is a preventative medicine that reduces symptoms caused by allergies; it does not treat acute asthma or emergency allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Omalizumab FDA approval was granted on June 20, 2003, for Genentech and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Omalizumab brand name is Xolair.
Indications
Omalizumab (Xolair) injection is used to reduce the risk of severe food allergy reactions ( anaphylaxis ) and help improve allergic asthma , nasal polyps , and chronic hives symptoms. Omalizumab works by targeting specific proteins in the immune system to reduce allergy symptoms. Omalizumab is given as an injection under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks and can be self-injected using a pen (autoinjector) or a prefilled syringe. Omalizumab is an anti-IgE antibody that works by blocking a protein (IgE ) that plays a key role in allergic responses. Omalizumab is a preventative medicine that reduces symptoms caused by allergies; it does not treat acute asthma or emergency allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Omalizumab FDA approval was granted on June 20, 2003, for Genentech and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Omalizumab brand name is Xolair.
Contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to omalizumab, or any of the inactive ingredients.  See the bottom of this document for a full list of ingredients. To make sure omalizumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: any signs of infection (fever, swollen glands, general ill feeling) any other allergies (foods, pollens, etc.) an infection caused by parasites (such as giardia, malaria, leishmaniasis, hookworm, pinworm, toxoplasmosis, and many others) past or present cancer a history of heart attack or stroke if you are receiving allergy shots if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) if you have a latex allergy, as the needle cap on the prefilled syringe contains a type of natural rubber latex. Using this injection 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 this medicine, 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.
Side Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Omalizumab, which give rise to further complications include Alopecia, Thrombocytopenia, Allergic reactions.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Omalizumab are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Alopecia, Pruritus, Arthralgia, Hair loss, Dermatitis, Sinusitis, Alopecia, dizziness.
Warnings
Some people using this injection have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction either right after the injection or hours later. Allergic reactions may occur even after using this injection regularly for a year or longer. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to omalizumab: hives, rash; anxiety or fear; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); feeling like you might pass out; chest tightness, wheezing, feeling short of breath, difficult breathing; fast or weak heartbeats; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. If you also use an oral steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. Your symptoms may not improve right away once you start receiving omalizumab. For best results, keep receiving the injection as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment. Omalizumab should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It is only used in food allergy to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Use omalizumab regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
High Risk Groups
Some people using this injection have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction either right after the injection or hours later. Allergic reactions may occur even after using this injection regularly for a year or longer. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to omalizumab: hives, rash; anxiety or fear; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); feeling like you might pass out; chest tightness, wheezing, feeling short of breath, difficult breathing; fast or weak heartbeats; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. If you also use an oral steroid medication, do not stop using the steroid suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work as well in treating or preventing attacks. Your symptoms may not improve right away once you start receiving omalizumab. For best results, keep receiving the injection as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment. Omalizumab should not be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It is only used in food allergy to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Use omalizumab regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Adult Dosage
150 to 375 mg (260 (262.5)) As recommended. SC — Should be given for 2 to 4 weeks, with dosing frequency determined by serum IgE level and weight.
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Other drugs may interact with this medicine including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. It is important to tell your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any of the following: allergy shots (a series of injections given regularly to prevent the body from developing allergic reactions to specific substances) and medications that suppress your immune system. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. This list is not complete. Many other drugs may interact with Xolair, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Storage
No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.

Available Brands in Pakistan

1 active brand listed alphabetically.

XOLAIR

Active

NOVARTIS PHARMA (PAK) LTD

DML: XOLAIR

Inj