XOLIAR For Food Allergies
XOLIAR (omalizumab) is a medication that is used to help manage food allergies. It is not a cure for food allergies, but it has been shown to help reduce allergic reactions in patients 1 year and older with IgE-mediated food allergies. Xolair is to be used in conjunction with food allergy avoidance.
What is XOLIAR?
XOLIAR is an injectable medicine (shot) and works by blocking a substance in your body called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is a protein that plays a key role in allergic reactions. When someone with a food allergy eats the food they are allergic to, IgE triggers the release of chemicals in the body that cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. By blocking IgE, Xolair can help reduce these symptoms and/or the severity of the symptoms.
How is XOLIAR Used for Food Allergies?
XOLIAR is given as an injection (shot) by a healthcare professional, usually in a doctor’s office or clinic every 2 to 4 weeks. The exact number of injections depends on the patient’s condition and their response to the medication.
Who Can Use XOLIAR?
XOLIAR is for patients who have severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis. These patients most commonly have food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, as well as others.
How Does XOLIAR Help Patients with Food Allergies?
- Reduce allergic reactions
- It may help prevent severe symptoms that could occur if the patient were to accidentally eat a food they are allergic to.
- Improve quality of life:
- If a patient’s food allergies are well-controlled, they may not have to worry as much about accidental exposure to allergens.
Side Effects of XOLIAR
Like any medication, Xolair can have side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site,
- Headaches
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Mild skin rashes
In rare cases, some patients may experience more serious side effects such as trouble breathing or a severe allergic reaction to the injection. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any concerns or if you experience unusual symptoms.
Is XOLIAR the Right Choice for You?
XOLIAR might be a good treatment option if other allergy medications aren’t enough to control your symptoms, but it’s not for everyone. Only a doctor can decide if XOLIAR is the right choice for your food allergies.
It is also important to continue avoiding the foods you’re allergic to, as Xolair is not a cure for food allergies and does not guarantee that you won’t have a reaction.
XOLIAR should not be used for the emergency treatment of any allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
XOLIAR is a helpful treatment for some patients with food allergies, particularly those with severe reactions. It works by blocking IgE, the protein that causes allergic symptoms. If you have food allergies and other treatments are not working, talk to your doctor to see if Xolair might be right for you.
