Is Xolair® Right for Me?

When you have allergies or other atopic conditions such as asthma, chronic hives, or chronic sinusitis, it means your immune system is reacting to harmless substances that your body has deemed as dangerous (allergens). 

As a result, your immune system starts producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The antibodies then travel to your cells and release chemicals, such as histamine, to fight off the allergens, triggering symptoms that affect numerous parts of your body, including your nose, lungs, throat, and skin. 

In some cases, your body can trigger a severe reaction to allergen exposure called anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. When anaphylaxis is a serious risk for you, allergy treatment plans can be extensive and involve diligently avoiding allergens and having epinephrine with you at all times. 

If anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions are a real threat to you, our team led by expert allergist Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, at the Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan in Farmington Hills, Michigan, offers an alternative and effective allergy medication called Xolair®. 

Here, we discuss what you need to know about this medication, including if it could be a viable part of your allergy treatment plan. 

What is Xolair?

Xolair is the brand name of a drug called omalizumab, a biologic medication derived from living organisms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved this drug back in 2003 to address severe allergic asthma but has since expanded its treatment use to include food allergies, chronic hives, and nasal polyps due to chronic sinusitis. 

It works by binding to the IgE antibodies and can not trigger an allergic reaction when you’re exposed to an allergen. This helps keep your airways and nasal passages clear so you can breathe. It also reduces itching. 

Who is Xolair for?

Xolair could be a great treatment option if other allergy treatments and management strategies haven’t worked well, and you’re still at a high risk for severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or anaphylaxis. 

You may not qualify to take Xolair you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you’re breastfeeding, or you currently have or have had a parasite infection. 

What to expect when you take Xolair

Xolair is administered via injection of pre-filled syringes. Typically, the injections are given under the supervision of our Allergy and Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan team; however, in some cases, the injections can be done on your own at home after thorough instruction. 

How often you need the injections varies depending on the condition being treated, whether it’s food allergies, hives, asthma, or sinusitis.

It’s very important to understand that Xolair is not a rescue medication and should never be used to treat an ongoing asthma attack or allergic reaction. The goal of the drug is to minimize reactions due to accidental allergen exposure. You still need to take other allergy medications and avoid allergens. 

Breathe easy with Xolair

If severe allergies and the risk of life-threatening reactions are a big part of your life, Xolair can help reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and severe asthma attacks and provide you with some peace of mind. 

To learn if Xolair might be a good addition to your allergy treatment plan, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mayer, who has over 20 years of experience in allergy treatment with Xolair. Call our office or use our online booking feature today.