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What is Xolair
 Xolair
is a medication that binds to a substance in the body called
immunoglobulin E (IgE). When IgE binds to receptors on certain
cells, an allergic respnose may occur. Xolair prevents IgE
from binding to these cells, and therefore decreases allergic
response.
Xolair
is used in the treatment of asthma caused by allergies.
Xolair
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Xolair
Continue to take other asthma medications exactly
as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking or reduce
the dosage of other asthma medications without first talking
to your doctor. Improvement in asthma symptoms may not occur
immediately after starting treatment with Xolair.
What you should find out before taking
Xolair
Before taking Xolair, tell your doctor if you have
any other medical conditions or if you take other medicines.
You may not be able to take Xolair or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Xolair
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
Xolair without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is
not known whether Xolair passes into breast milk. Do not
take Xolair without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Xolair Take Xolair exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Xolair
is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Xolair is usually given by a healthcare provider. If you
are injecting Xolair at home, follow the directions given
by your healthcare provider to mix and administer the injection.
Xolair is usually injected every 2 or 4 weeks. Follow
your doctor's directions.
It is important to use
Xolair regularly to get the most benefit.
Continue
to take other asthma medications exactly as directed by
your doctor. Do not stop taking or reduce the dosage of
other asthma medications without first talking to your doctor.
Improvement in asthma symptoms may not occur immediately
after starting treatment with Xolair.
Your doctor
may want you to have allergy tests, lung function tests,
or other medical evaluations during treatment with Xolair
to monitor progress and side effects.
If you are
storing Xolair at home, keep it in the refrigerator between
36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius),
protected from light.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Xolair.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of Xolair is unlikely to threaten life.
No symptoms associated with an overdose of Xolair have been
reported. Contact your healthcare provider, an emergency
room, or a poison control center if an overdose of Xolair
is suspected.
Avoid while taking Xolair There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Xolair unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Xolair Stop using Xolair and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience a serious allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives) to the medication.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Xolair and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- redness, bruising, warmth, burning,
stinging, itching, pain, or inflammation at the injection
site; or
- sore throat or cold symptoms.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Xolair
No
other drugs are known to interact with Xolair. Do not take
any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products without first talking
to your doctor during treatment with Xolair. |
