Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, Pharm.D.
Medical Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.

GENERIC NAME: omalizumab

BRAND NAME: Xolair

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Omalizumab is an injectable drug that is used for treating asthma. Omalizumab is a protein that resembles one type of human antibody. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body that recognize foreign substances such as bacteria (that cause infection) and pollens (that cause allergies). Once they recognize a foreign substance, the antibodies attach to receptors on two types of cells in tissues and blood, mast cells and basophils. These cells then release chemicals that cause an allergic reaction that leads to inflammation. Omalizumab blocks the receptors on the surfaces of the mast cells and basophils to which antibodies attach, thereby preventing antibodies from attaching to the cells. As a result, the cells do not release their chemicals, and the allergic reaction and inflammation are prevented. In asthmatic individuals, allergic reactions often cause attacks of asthma. Omalizumab reduces the attacks of asthma by preventing the allergic reactions caused by foreign substances. Omalizumab was approved by the FDA in June, 2003.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PREPARATIONS: Sterile powder: 5 ml vial (150 mg)

STORAGE: Omalizumab should be refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F). When mixed with sterile water, the solution should be used within 8 hours if refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F) or within 4 hours if stored at room temperature.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Omalizumab is used for treating adolescents and adults 12 years and older who have allergy sensitive, moderate to severe persistent asthma, that is not adequately controlled with inhaled steroids.

DOSING: Omalizumab is injected under the skin. The recommended dose is 150-375 mg every 2 to 4 weeks. The dose and frequency is based on body weight and levels of serum IgE, a type of antibody. Doses greater than 150 mg should be divided and administered at different sites so that no more than 150 mg is administered at each injection site.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interaction studies have not be conducted with omalizumab.

PREGNANCY: Omalizumab has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Use of omalizumab by nursing mothers has not been adequately evaluated. Since antibodies similar to omalizumab are excreted in human breast milk, it is likely that omalizumab also is excreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects observed in patients treated with omalizumab are headaches, viral infections, upper respiratory tract infections and injection-site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, itching and bruising. Use of omalizumab may also lead to serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It is recommended that patients be observed for these reactions for at least two hours after injection of omalizumab; however, these reactions can occur up to 24 hours or longer after the injections.  In addition, cancer occurs more frequently in patients who take omalizumab.

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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Asthma - Read about asthma signs and symptoms, statistics, medication, inhalers, and management, and triggers (or what causes an attack). Get the facts about asthma in children and exercise-induced asthma. Source:MedicineNet Asthma Complexities - Asthma can often have unusual symptoms. Symptoms of asthma may also vary from indivudual to individual in type and duration. Source:MedicineNet Read 19 more omalizumab related articles ... Xolair Gets 'Black Box' Warning

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Last Editorial Review: 2/21/2007