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Omalizumab Injection (oh mah lye zoo' mab)
Other names: Xolair
Warning Important Warning
Omalizumab injection may cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. An allergic reaction ... Full Alert
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Why is this medication prescribed?

Omalizumab injection is used to decrease the number of asthma attacks (sudden episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing) in people with allergic asthma (asthma caused by inhaling substances such as dander, pollen, and dust mites) whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled steroids. Omalizumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies.It works by blocking the action of IgE, a natural substance in the body that causes the symptoms of allergic asthma.

How should this medication be used?

Omalizumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected in a doctor's office once every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. You may receive one or more injections at each visit, depending on the dose prescribed by your doctor.

It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of omalizumab. Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms worsen. Talk to your doctor so that you know what to do if you have an asthma attack or breathing problems while using omalizumab. Omalizumab will not relieve the symptoms of a sudden asthma attack.

Omalizumab injection may be used along with other medications for asthma. Do not decrease your dose of any other asthma medication or stop taking any other asthma medication that has been prescribed by your doctor, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose of some other asthma medications gradually.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Xolair®
Last Revised January 08, 2009
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
This information being provided is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland.
©2010. All Rights Reserved.
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