Xolair

(omalizumab)

Provider Summary

Primary Uses

Moderate-to-severe allergic asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and IgE-mediated food allergy (per label age criteria and payer requirements).

Mechanism of Action

Anti‑IgE monoclonal antibody that binds free IgE, reducing allergic cascade activation.

Pre-treatment / Baseline Requirement

Confirm IgE-mediated disease (IgE level, allergen testing, and clinical history as applicable); initial doses are typically administered in a healthcare setting due to anaphylaxis risk; ensure availability of emergency management.

Common side effects

Injection-site reactions, headache, arthralgia, fatigue.

Serious adverse effects / key risks

Boxed warning: anaphylaxis (can occur after first dose or later); hypersensitivity; rare cardiovascular/vascular events reported in postmarketing.

Referral requirements

Standard infusion referral form + drug-specific checklist

Xolair

Patient & Caregiver Education

What it treats

Moderate-to-severe allergic asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and IgE-mediated food allergy

How it works

Anti‑IgE monoclonal antibody that binds free IgE, reducing allergic cascade activation.

Before treatment

Tell your clinician if you have an active infection/fever, are pregnant/planning pregnancy, or have major heart/nerve problems. Depending on the medication, you may need labs or screening tests (e.g., TB/hepatitis) and a vaccine review.

Common side effects

Injection-site reactions, headache, arthralgia, fatigue.

Get urgent help for:

Boxed warning: anaphylaxis; hypersensitivity; rare cardiovascular/vascular events reported in postmarketing.

On treatment Day: