IMPORTANT WARNING:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Omalizumab injection is used to decrease the number of asthma attacks (wheezing, shortness of breath, and trouble breathing) in patients with allergic asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled steroids. Omalizumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the action 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.

How should this medicine be used?

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Omalizumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected in a doctor's office once every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks.

Omalizumab may cause serious allergic reactions that are most likely to happen within 2 hours after you receive this medication, but may happen at any time during your treatment. You will have to stay at your doctor's office for at least 2 hours after you receive this medication.A doctor or nurse will watch you during this time to see if you are having a serious reaction to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as those listed in the SIDE EFFECTS section, after you receive omalizumab. Because an allergic reaction to omalizumab may happen after you leave your doctor's office, you may also be given another injectable medication for emergency use if you have certain side effects. Be sure that you know how to use this medication and to seek medical care immediately if these symptoms occur.

It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of omalizumab. Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms worsen. Talk to your doctor so that you know what to do if you have an asthma attack or breathing problems while receiving omalizumab. Do not decrease your dose or stop taking any other asthma medication that you may use to treat your condition, unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Your doctor will store this medication in his or her office.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking or have taken omalizumab.

Brand names