Xolair

Xolair® (Omalizumab,) is a fairly recent and exciting advance in the treatment of moderate to severe allergic asthma. Xolair is an antibody that is injected which binds to and inactivates the molecule responsible for triggering allergic asthma attacks.

People with allergies and allergic asthma may produce large amounts of a molecule (antibody) called Immunoglobulin-E (IgE). IgE binds to many cells in the body including those in the lungs. These cells produce substances that are responsible for causing an asthma attack. When patients are exposed to a substance that they are allergic to (e.g., cats, dust mites, pollen), the IgE binds to that substance and initiates an allergic reaction leading to an asthma attack.

Standard asthma medications are typically quite effective in the majority of patients. However, in some patients with moderate to severe asthma, these medications are not sufficient. Xolair is used to block the IgE molecule and prevent an allergic reaction. Xolair has been shown in many research studies to improve asthma symptoms and prevent severe attacks. Our office has participated in many research studies, testing and confirming the effectiveness to Xolair.

Xolair is administered using a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) once every 2 to 4 weeks and must be administered in a doctor's office. If you have asthma that is not adequately controlled, please ask one of our providers to see if your a candidate for Xolair.

For more information about Xolair contact:

Jo Ann Johnson
Xolair Specialist
(210) 616-0882
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