Omalizumab is an anti-IgE antibody which was approved for its medical use on 20th June 2003.

Omalizumab Injection indicated for moderate to severe persistent asthma in adults and children older than 6 years. It is prescribed to treat Chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and children have not experienced improvement in symptoms despite antihistamine treatment. Omalizumab is also indicated to treat nasal polyps in adult patients older than 18 years you have not adequately responded to nasal corticosteroids.

Omalizumab is available as a pre-filled syringe in the doses 75mg and 150mg, intended for subcutaneous administration. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the accurate dose based on your body weight, serum total IgE level and medical condition.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Omalizumab Injection are arthralgia, leg pain, tiredness, dizziness, fracture, arm pain, pruritus, dermatitis, ear pain, headache, fever, upper abdominal pain, viral gastroenteritis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, cough and injection site reactions. If you experience breathlessness, chest tightness, severe cough or any other allergic reactions during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience trouble swallowing, swelling of throat/tongue, breathing trouble, chest tightness, wheezing, severe cough, fainting, rapid heartbeat or anxiety. After administration, you will be monitored in a healthcare setting for an appropriate period of time to check for anaphylactic reactions. Omalizumab injection is not recommended for people who have experienced allergic reactions to Omalizumab or any of its ingredients. Do not use omalizumab injection for acute symptoms of asthma. 

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of parasitic infections, heart problems, liver impairment, kidney disease or cancer. During this treatment your physician may monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. Inform your health care provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures.

Ask your health care provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. It is not known if Omalizumab harms unborn baby or passes into breast milk. Discuss with your physician regarding the safest method of feeding your baby if you are a nursing mother.

Omalizumab can cause side effects like dizziness and tiredness. Hence, it is advisable to not drive or use machines during this treatment. Check with your health care provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

1. Genentech USA, Inc., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 22nd Sep 2022], https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/xolair_prescribing.pdf
2. Peter J. Barnes, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Pulmonary Pharmacology, 13th Edition, 2018, 727-749.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.