Side Effects of Xolair (Omalizumab)
Xolair (omalizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe asthma and chronic hives (chronic idiopathic urticaria). It works by targeting IgE, an antibody involved in allergic reactions, to reduce inflammation and allergic responses. While Xolair can be effective in managing these conditions, it comes with several side effects, ranging from mild to serious.
Common Side Effects:
- Injection Site Reactions:
- Redness, pain, swelling, bruising, and itching at the injection site are common. These reactions usually occur soon after the injection and resolve on their own.
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections:
- Some patients experience symptoms of colds, sinus infections, or sore throat.
- Headache:
- Headaches are a frequently reported side effect, especially early in treatment.
- Fatigue:
- Tiredness or fatigue is another common side effect and can affect daily activities for some patients.
- Joint Pain:
- Patients may report joint pain (arthralgia), particularly in the arms and legs.
- Nausea:
- Nausea and stomach pain can occur, though they are less common.
Serious Side Effects:
- Anaphylaxis:
- Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur after receiving Xolair. Symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, and dizziness. This can occur after any dose, even if previous doses were well-tolerated, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events:
- Xolair has been associated with rare but serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain.
- Malignancy (Cancer):
- Some studies have suggested a potential increased risk of malignancies (cancer) with long-term use of Xolair, though this risk remains controversial and further studies are needed to establish a clear link.
- Blood Clotting Disorders:
- Rare reports have linked Xolair to blood clotting issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), which can result in swelling, pain, or difficulty breathing.
- Fever or Flu-like Symptoms:
- Some patients report experiencing fever, body aches, and flu-like symptoms after injections.
Long-Term Use Considerations:
- Monitoring for Allergic Reactions: Patients receiving Xolair must be monitored after each injection due to the risk of delayed allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
- Regular Check-ups: Long-term users of Xolair may require regular medical evaluations to monitor for any serious side effects, especially cardiovascular and malignancy risks.
Who Should Avoid Xolair?
- Individuals with a known allergy to omalizumab or any of its components should avoid Xolair.
- Xolair should be used with caution in individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, as it may increase the risk of heart-related complications.
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