$948.29

XOLAIR

Dosing

The dose of omalizumab will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of omalizumab.

You will receive omalizumab once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your dose will be determined by your IgE level, which your doctor will measure with a simple blood test before treatment begins, and your body weight. Based on your dose, your doctor will also tell you if you will need 1, 2, or 3 injections per dose. If you need more than 1 injection, each will be given in a different place on your body.

Omalizumab is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. It is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking. Never suddenly stop taking, or change the dose of, your inhaled steroids or any other asthma medicine you are taking unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For parenteral dosage form (injection):
  • For allergic asthma:
    • Adults 150 to 375 milligrams (mg) is administered by a shot (injection) under the skin every 2 or 4 weeks
    • Children Use and dose for children under 12 years of age must be determined by your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For omalizumab, the following should be considered:

Allergies Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to omalizumab. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy Omalizumab has not been studied in pregnant women. However, omalizumab has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding It is not known whether omalizumab passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and wish to breast feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children Although there is no specific information comparing the use of omalizumab in children with other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in older adults. This medicine can be used in children 12 years of age and older.

Older adults Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of omalizumab in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines Omalizumab is approved for use in patients who are already taking inhaled steroids. As with all medicines, be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking for your asthma or any other condition. This includes prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.