Helpful Resources
Disclaimer: The following external links are provided solely for informational purposes. Genentech Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation do not control, review, approve or endorse these websites. These sites may collect data or personal information. Once you link to another site, you are subject to the privacy policy of the new site. The following list of resources is in no way intended to represent an exhaustive listing.
The following organizations offer information about pregnancy and health:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(800) 762–2264
www.acog.org
American Dietetic Association
(800) 877–1600
www.eatright.org
FDA’s Website Link to Pregnancy Registries
www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/SpecialTopics/WomensHealthResearch/ucm134844.htm
Health Resources and Services Administration Information Center
(888) ASK–HRSA (888–275–4772)
www.ask.hrsa.gov
NAEPP Asthma Guidelines
www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/naepp/
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
(800) 370–2943
www.nichd.nih.gov
National Women’s Health Information Center
(800) 994–9662
www.4women.gov
Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)
www.otispregnancy.org/hm/
XOLAIR should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. While XOLAIR presence in human milk has not been studied, the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) protein is excreted in human milk. The potential for XOLAIR absorption or harm to the infant is unknown. Consult with your doctor about the use of XOLAIR while nursing.
Who is XOLAIR for?
XOLAIR® (omalizumab) for subcutaneous use is an injectable, prescription medicine for patients ages 12 and older. It is for patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma caused by year-round allergens in the air. A skin or blood test is done to see if you have allergic asthma. XOLAIR is for patients who are not controlled by asthma medicines called inhaled steroids.
XOLAIR helps reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma who still have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids.
Important Limitations of Use
- XOLAIR has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.
- XOLAIR is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
- XOLAIR should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
Important Safety Information
XOLAIR should always be injected in a doctor's office. You should read the Medication Guide before starting XOLAIR treatment and before each and every treatment.
A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has happened in some patients after they received XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
- low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of "impending doom"
- flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm
- swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
You should not receive XOLAIR if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a XOLAIR injection. Do not use XOLAIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
In clinical studies 0.5% of patients receiving XOLAIR developed cancer, compared to 0.2% of patients receiving placebo (an injection with no active medicine).
Joint inflammation or pain, rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes have been seen in patients taking XOLAIR. Talk to your doctor if you’ve experienced any of these signs and symptoms.
In patients ≥12 years of age, the most commonly observed side effects in asthma studies that had a ≥1% difference between XOLAIR and placebo were joint pain (8%), pain (general) (7%), leg pain (4%), tiredness (fatigue) (3%), dizziness (3%), fracture (2%), arm pain (2%), itching (2%), inflammation of the skin (2%), and earache (2%).
In asthma studies, the most common side effects in patients, who either needed to stop XOLAIR or needed medical attention, were injection site reaction (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and sore throat (11%). These side effects were seen at the same rates in XOLAIR-treated patients as in patients in the control group who received placebo.
XOLAIR is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
XOLAIR is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking. Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your doctor tells you to do so. You may not see an immediate improvement in your asthma when beginning XOLAIR therapy.
Talk to your doctor for more information and if you have any questions about your treatment.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
You may also report any side effects to 1-866-4XOLAIR (1-866-496-5247), Option 3.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for additional important safety information.
CLICK HERE for more information about XOLAIR.
