Who is XOLAIR® for?
XOLAIR® (Omalizumab) is indicated for patients who suffer from severe persistent allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that do not respond adequately to conventional treatments. It is suitable for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with CSU and for children aged 6 years and older with severe asthma. XOLAIR® targets IgE, reducing allergic reactions and helping manage symptoms that are otherwise difficult to control.
- Severe Persistent Allergic Asthma: Patients aged 6 years and older
- Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU): Patients aged 12 years and older
XOLAIR® Side Effects
XOLAIR® is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Common side effects include injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections. More serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis and thrombocytopenia, although rare, require immediate medical attention. Patients should be closely monitored for any adverse reactions, especially after the initial doses.
- Common Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness, itching)
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Serious Side Effects:
- Anaphylaxis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Parasitic infections
- Malignancies
What is XOLAIR® made of?
XOLAIR® is composed of Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to immunoglobulin E (IgE). This binding prevents IgE from interacting with its receptors on mast cells and basophils, thereby reducing the release of inflammatory mediators. The formulation also includes stabilizing agents to maintain the solution’s effectiveness and safety.
- Active Ingredient: Omalizumab (humanized monoclonal antibody)
- Inactive Ingredients: Sucrose, histidine, polysorbate 20, water for injections
XOLAIR® Method of Administration
XOLAIR® is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically in a clinical setting. The dosing schedule is based on the patient’s weight and baseline IgE levels for asthma, or as a fixed dose for CSU. Proper reconstitution of the lyophilized powder with sterile water is essential, and the injection sites (upper arm, thigh, or abdomen) should be rotated to minimize local irritation.
- Reconstitution: Mix lyophilized powder with sterile water for injection until fully dissolved.
- Injection Sites: Upper arm, thigh, abdomen (rotate sites)
- Post-Injection Monitoring: Observe for 2 hours after the first three injections, then 30 minutes for subsequent doses.