Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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-threateningallergic 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.
Asthma is a common disorder in which
chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness,
cough and wheezing.
There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control with anti-inflammatory drugs and quick relief from bronchodilators. Asthma medicines may be inhaled using a metered dose inhaler or nebulizer or they may be taken orally. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease shouldn't take OTC drugs like Primatene Mist and Bronkaid.
Patients suffering from episodes of asthma do not always have the
typical symptoms of asthma such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and
wheezing (symptoms of airway narrowing). Instead, patients can have symptoms
that may not appear to be related to asthma. These "unusual" asthma symptoms
include
rapid breathing,
sighing,
fatigue and inability to
exercise properly,
difficulty sleeping,
anxiety and difficulty
concentrating,
chronic cough without wheezing,
protracted cough after an upper respiratory illness,
recurrent diagnosis of walking pneumonia, and
noises emanating from the chest usual during exhalation.
To complicate matters, symptoms of asthma are not consistent and often vary
from time to time in an individual. In some patients, symptoms are influenced by
diurnal factor...
Asthma RSS
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