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Can Xolair be self-administered at home?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Feb 21, 2024.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Yes, you or your caregiver can learn how to give Xolair at home if you and your doctor agree that self-injection is appropriate.

  • For children 12 years of age and older, the Xolair prefilled syringe or autoinjector may be self-injected under adult supervision.
  • For children 1 to 11 years of age, only the Xolair prefilled syringe should be used and injected by a caregiver, as the autoinjector is not intended for this age group.

You will receive training on how to inject this medicine from your healthcare team. At first, you will receive the medication from your doctor in a healthcare setting. This allows your doctor to monitor you and treat you for side effects like a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), if this should occur.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death. Learn how to recognize anaphylaxis and talk to your doctor about how to identify the symptoms. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction:

  • 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

What is Xolair approved to treat?

Xolair (omalizumab) injection is approved to treat:

  • moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma in patients 6 years of age and older
  • chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older
  • nasal polyps with sinus inflammation in adult patients 18 years of age and older
  • food allergy (IgE-mediated) in adults and children aged 1 year and older to help reduce Type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods. To be used in conjunction with food allergen avoidance

Xolair is given by 1 or more injections under the skin (subcutaneously). It is given once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine your exact dose.

Use Xolair exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use the injection until you have been trained on how to do this. Once you have been trained, you can follow the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with your medicine to administer at home. If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Related: See the Xolair “Instructions for Use” under Patient Counseling Information.

This is not all the information you need to know about Xolair (omalizumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your healthcare provider's directions. Review the product information and discuss any questions you have with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider.

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References

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How long before Xolair starts working?

Free serum IgE levels are decreased within an hour of Xolair administration. However it may take several months for the full effects of Xolair to be seen, although some symptom improvement may be noted after a few weeks. Significant improvements were noted after 4 months in those with allergic asthma, after 3 months in those with chronic urticaria, and after 16 to 20 weeks in those with Ig-E-mediated food allergies. Continue reading

Does Xolair cause hair loss?

Hair loss (alopecia), has been reported in Xolair clinical studies in at least 2% of people with chronic hives. Hair loss has also been noted in several case reports with Xolair. The hair loss effect appears to be transient, lasting from 3 to 4 months. Due to limited data, the exact cause of hair loss or how often it occurs is not known. Continue reading

Does Xolair cause cancer?

Xolair is associated with a slightly higher risk of cancer, but cancer specialists have determined that this does not mean that Xolair causes cancer. Research has shown that cancer occurred in 20 out of 4127 trial participants (0.5% of Xolair-treated study volunteers) and 5 out of 2236 (0.2%) of people who were assigned an inactive treatment. Continue reading

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