What anti-IgE medicine is available now?
Xolair® (omalizumab) is the anti-IgE medicine now available. Xolair® is approved by the FDA for use with patients over 12 years of age who: • Have poorly controlled moderate to severe persistent asthma, • Have year round allergies and • Are taking routine inhaled steroids. Xolair® has been shown to decrease asthma episodes in some of these patients. Xolair® is given by a shot (injection) one to two times a month. The shots are given in the doctor’s office. The dosage varies, depending on the person’s weight and IgE blood level. Xolair® is a long-term control medicine. This means it is given routinely to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a quick relief medicine. Some patients improve quickly. Some patients show a gradual benefit. Xolair® does not appear to work for all patients.
