Common, Mild, and Severe Adverse Reactions Associated with Xolair Treatment
Xolair (omalizumab), a biologic medication, is prescribed for certain conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, hives, and food allergies. This article aims to provide an overview of the potential side effects and uses of Xolair.
Potential Long-Term Side Effects
In adults and children, the long-term side effects of Xolair may include musculoskeletal issues like joint pain and occasional fractures, neurological symptoms such as headache and dizziness, skin and allergic reactions like itching, skin rash, and injection site reactions, and an increased risk of upper respiratory infections. Other systemic symptoms such as fatigue and nausea (based on anecdotal reports) have also been reported [1][2][5].
Additional concerns from patient reviews include motion sickness, nausea, and dizziness, although these may vary individually [4]. Given Xolair's immune-modulating nature, long-term monitoring is advised to account for potential susceptibility to infections or allergic reactions.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Xolair include joint pain, dizziness, fatigue, reactions at the injection site, headache, and skin rash or itchy skin. In children ages 6 to 17 years who take Xolair for asthma, the common side effects reported were the common cold, headache, fever, ear infection, strep throat, stomach flu, upper abdomen pain, and bloody nose. In children ages 1 to 17 years who use Xolair to treat food allergies, the most common side effects reported were fever and injection site reactions [2].
Specific Uses and Contraindications
Doctors prescribe Xolair to treat a certain form of asthma in children ages 6 years and older, and to treat certain food allergies in children ages 1 to 17 years. However, Xolair should not be used to treat sudden symptoms of asthma or asthma attacks (flare-ups). It's also important to note that if you have a latex allergy, you should not use the prefilled syringes of Xolair, as they have a cap that contains latex [3].
Safety During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It's not known whether Xolair treatment is safe during pregnancy or whether it passes into breast milk or affects breast milk production. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider about these potential risks.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Xolair include the risk of heart and blood circulation problems, parasitic worm infection, immune system reaction, bone fractures, cancer, and anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). While these serious adverse events are rare, it's crucial for patients to report persistent or severe symptoms to their doctor for assessment and possible adjustment of therapy [1][2][5].
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction to Xolair can include skin rash, itchiness, and flushing. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening, with signs such as swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, loss of consciousness, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat [2].
In conclusion, while Xolair can provide significant benefits for those with certain conditions, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and to consult a healthcare provider for guidance. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms.
References: [1] Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). FDA approves first drug for treatment of peanut allergy. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-treatment-peanut-allergy [2] National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Xolair. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682288.html [3] Xolair (omalizumab) - Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - MedicineNet. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/xolair_omalizumab/ [4] Drugs.com. (2021). Xolair Side Effects Center. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/xolair-side-effects.html [5] American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). (2021). Xolair. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/drugs-biologics/xolair
- In addition to asthma, certain medical conditions like chronic diseases such as chronic idiopathic urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria may be managed using Xolair, a drug typically prescribed for these conditions.
- It's noteworthy that while Xolair can effectively manage various health-and-wellness issues like asthma, it's associated with potential serious side effects such as heart and blood circulation problems, anaphylaxis, and immune system reactions.
- For individuals prescribed Xolair, it's essential to be aware of the potential long-term side effects, such as musculoskeletal issues and neurological symptoms, as well as an increased risk of upper respiratory infections.
- In the medical field, the use of Xolair is contraindicated for certain situations, such as treating sudden symptoms of asthma or asthma attacks, and for those with a latex allergy due to the latex present in the prefilled syringes.
