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Xolair ( oh-mah-lye-ZOO-mab) is used to treat moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. Xolair is a shot (injection) given under the skin (subcutaneous) The shot is given every 2 or 4 weeks. For many patients who still have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids, Xolair helps to reduce the number of asthma attacks. Xolair is a medicine called an IgE blocker. IgE is short for immunoglobulin E. IgE is a substance that occurs naturally in the body in small amounts. This substance plays an important role in allergic asthma. When people with allergic asthma breathe in a year-round allergen, such as cat or dog dander, their bodies make more IgE. This may cause a series of reactions in your body that can lead to asthma attacks and symptoms. Xolair works by helping to block IgE. Xolair is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Parenteral Injection (U.S.)
Xolair is used to decrease the number of asthma attacks (wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing) in patients with allergic asthma whose symptoms do not respond sufficiently to inhaled steroids. Omalizumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the activity of IgE cells (cells in the body that cause asthma symptoms) and stopping the release of substances in the body that cause an allergic response. Xolair comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected in a doctor's office once every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. You will have to stay in the doctor's office for a short while after the injection to be monitored for serious side effects. It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of omalizumab. Brand names: - Omalizumab - Xolair |