Omalizumab is a drug to treat asthma that has been diagnosed through an allergy test. This drug is known to reduce the frequency of recurrence of asthma attacks. Omalizimab is not intended for the treatment of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus.
Omalizumab belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies which work by blocking the action of a natural substance in the body, namely immunoglobulin E (IgE). With the inhibition of these substances, the symptoms of asthma can subside. This drug is available in injection form which will be given directly by a doctor at a hospital or health facility.
Omalizumab trademark: Xolair
What is Omalizumab
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Monoclonal antibodies |
| Benefit | Treat asthma |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Omalizumab for pregnant and lactating women |
Category N: Not yet categorized.
Omalizumab is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Omalizumab
There are several things that you should pay attention to before using omalizumab, including:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Omalizumab should not be used by someone who is allergic to latex, pollen, or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of infection , such as fever , swollen lymph nodes, not feeling well, or have any infectious disease, including a parasitic infection such as toxoplasmosis or malaria .
- Tell your doctor if you have had a previous heart attack , severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock .
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a stroke or cancer .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor right away if you have an overdose, a drug allergic reaction , or a more serious side effect after using omalizumab.
Dosage and Rules for Use Omalizumab
Omalizumab will be injected directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Injections are made under the skin (subcutaneous / SC). The dose given depends on the health condition and response of the patient's body.
The following is the distribution of omalizumab doses based on the condition, IgE level, and age of the patient:
Condition: Asthma
- Adults weighing 30–90 kg: 150–375 mg every 4 weeks, dose adjusted according to serum IgE level.
- Adults weighing >90–150 kg: 225–300 mg every 4 wk, dose adjusted according to serum IgE level.
- Children: The dose is determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
Condition: Chronic idiopathic urticaria
- Adult: 300 mg every 4 weeks
- Children: The dose is determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
How to Use Omalizumab Properly
Injectable omalizumab will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor by injection under the patient's skin. At the beginning of drug administration, close monitoring is necessary, because this drug can cause severe allergic reactions.
Follow your doctor's advice and recommendations if you are taking omalizumab. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first.
Take control according to the schedule given by the doctor. While undergoing treatment with omalizumab, you may be asked to do a skin allergy test, lung function test, or a complete blood test.
Omalizumab Interactions with Other Drugs
It is not known exactly what drug interactions can occur when omalizumab is used with other drugs. However, omalizumab may decrease the effectiveness of antiparasitic drugs.
To prevent unwanted drug interaction effects, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking or going to use other drugs while having treatment with omalizumab.
Omalizumab Side Effects and Dangers
Omalizimab may cause an anaphylactic reaction, which may be characterized by shortness of breath due to narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), hypotension , fainting, hives, or angioedema . Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Side effects that can arise after using omalizumab include:
- Bruising , swelling, pain, or irritation at the injection site
- Headache or dizziness
Check with your doctor if the above complaints don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe chest pain , weakness on one side of the body, excessive sweating, visual disturbances, slurred speech, or confusion
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Shortness of breath or coughing up blood
- Fever, feeling unwell, sore throat , or cough that doesn't go away