Xolair (omalizumab)

What is Xolair (Omalizumab)?

Xolair (Omalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody medication for food allergies, severe allergic asthma and chronic hives (urticaria). It works by stopping Immunoglobulin E (IgE), the antibody that is central to allergic reactions. By stopping IgE, Xolair stops the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause hives, sneezing, swelling and difficulty breathing.

For kids with food allergies, Xolair can be a good option, especially for those with multiple food allergies, severe reactions to foods and more than one allergy (food allergies, asthma, seasonal allergies, eczema or hives).

Here’s what Xolair does:

• Reduces the immune system’s sensitivity to allergens
• Reduces the frequency and severity of allergic reactions to food
• Improves asthma control, reduces wheezing and other asthma symptoms
• Decreases flare-ups of chronic hives
• Controls seasonal allergies and congestion in adults with allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

How Does Xolair Work?

Xolair removes IgE from the body. It gets into the blood stream and within the first 24 hours 99% of the IgE is bound to Xolair and then eliminated from the body. IgE is also bound to allergy “mast” cells in the skin, mouth, nose, eyes, lungs, stomach and blood vessels. As IgE disconnects from the allergy mast cells, Xolair binds the IgE and removes it from the body. Over time the allergy cells become less reactive. See the official Xolair website for more information (How XOLAIR® (omalizumab) May Work to Treat Food Allergy).

Xolair targets and removes IgE, a key protein involved in allergic reactions. Once in the bloodstream Xolair binds to 99% of free IgE within 24 hours, preventing it from triggering allergic responses. IgE also detaches from allergy “mast” cells in the skin, nose, lungs and other tissues, allowing Xolair to bind and eliminate it. Over time this makes allergy cells less reactive, reducing allergic symptoms.

1. Binds to IgE in the blood: IgE antibodies trigger allergic reactions in the body. By binding and eliminating IgE Xolair stops the immune system from overreacting to allergens, making it a good treatment for food allergies, asthma and chronic hives.
2. Reduces Inflammation: Xolair reduces inflammation caused by allergic reactions, especially in the airways, skin and gastrointestinal tract. For kids with food allergies, this means allergic reactions to food will be less frequent and less severe. Reducing inflammation in the airways makes breathing easier for kids with severe asthma related to environmental allergies or food allergies.
3. Decreases Symptoms of Chronic Hives: Xolair also reduces the number and severity of flare-ups in kids with chronic hives that don’t respond to antihistamines or other medications.

What to Expect During Xolair Treatment

Xolair treatment is given via subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injections. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation and Testing: Your allergist will do an in-depth evaluation which may include allergy testing and reviewing your child’s medical history to see if Xolair is right for them.
2. ‍Injections: Xolair is injected into the fat under the skin of the upper arm or thigh. , The first 3 doses are given in the doctor’s office to make sure they are tolerated and to teach you how to administer the injections at home, if you feel comfortable doing so. Each injection is ½ to 2 milliliters and takes less than 30 seconds to administer. The number of injections and the frequency of dosing will depend on your child’s weight, total IgE level in the blood and the specific allergic condition being treated.‍
3. Ongoing Monitoring: After each injection your child will be monitored for 30 minutes to 2 hours to make sure there are no immediate allergic reactions. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to evaluate progress and adjust treatment as necessary.

Benefits of Xolair (Omalizumab)

Xolair has many benefits especially for kids with severe food allergies, asthma or chronic hives. Here are some of the advantages:

• Less risk of food allergy reactions: For kids and adults with severe or multiple food allergies Xolair increases the amount of food needed to cause an allergic reaction. For example most kids who react to < ⅓ of a peanut before treatment can tolerate 4 peanuts or more without a reaction when treated with Xolair. ‍
• Better Asthma Control: For kids and adults with severe allergic asthma Xolair can reduce asthma attacks and improve breathing by reducing inflammation in the airways.‍
• Less Hives: Kids and adults with chronic hives that don’t respond to other treatments can experience significant relief, fewer flare-ups and less discomfort.‍
• Minimal Side Effects: Since Xolair targets IgE, which is mainly involved in the allergic response, it has few side effects making it a good option for kids and adults who haven’t responded well to other treatments.‍
• Long Lasting Relief: Xolair provides long term relief, many kids experience symptoms improve after a few doses and continue over months of treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Xolair?

Xolair is good for kids with

• ‍Multiple Food Allergies:Kids and adults with multiple or severe food allergies (like nut, seed, seafood, milk, egg, wheat or soy allergies) may benefit from Xolair to reduce allergic reactions by calming the immune system’s response to food allergens.‍
• Reactive to trace amounts of food: Kids and adults who react to trace amounts of food are at risk of severe reactions to accidental ingestions of these foods. Xolair reduces this risk. While such people may benefit from desensitization to the food through oral immunotherapy (OIT), they may not tolerate even the smallest dose of the OIT treatment. Xolair-assisted OIT may be an option for some. ‍
• Severe Allergic Asthma: If your or your child’s asthma is not controlled by inhalers or oral medications Xolair may help with asthma management and overall quality of life.‍
• Chronic Urticaria (Hives): For kids and adults with chronic hives that don’t respond to antihistamines or other treatments Xolair can help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups.‍
• Nasal polyps and seasonal allergies: For adults with nasal polyps and chronic allergic rhinitis Xolair can reduce congestion and prevent nasal polyps from progressing or returning after surgery.

If you or your child struggles with food allergies, asthma, hives or seasonal allergies and other treatments have not provided relief Xolair may be the answer for them. Contact us to see if Xolair is right for your child.

Side Effects and Considerations

While Xolair is generally safe for most kids there are potential side effects to be aware of:

1. Injection Site Reactions: Some kids may experience redness, swelling or pain at the injection site. These reactions are usually mild and go away on their own.
2. Allergic Reactions: Although rare some people may be allergic to Xolair. For this reason the first 3 injections are administered in a medical setting with close monitoring for any adverse reactions.
3. ‍Muscle aches, Swollen joints, and Rash: Muscle aches, swollen joints and rash can be a sign of a rare type of allergic reaction to injected medications called serum sickness.
4. Parasite Infections: Xolair reduces IgE which may increase the risk of parasite infections. So take extra caution to reduce parasite exposure such as when camping or visiting a country where parasite infections are common.
5. Cancer and Circulation problems: While not uncommon in the general population, adults treated with Xolair have experienced cancer, chest pain, heart attack, blood clots in the lungs or legs, or temporary symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech or changes in vision more frequently than similar patients who did not receive Xolair in some studies. It is not known if Xolair caused these conditions.

Is Xolair for your child?

Xolair can be a treatment for kids with severe food allergies, asthma and chronic hives. If your child has not had relief through other treatments Xolair may be the next step in managing their symptoms.

To learn more about how Xolair can help manage your child’s allergies and asthma schedule a consultation with one of our experts at Empower Allergy Treatment.

Conclusion

Xolair (Omalizumab) is a game changer for kids with severe food allergies, asthma and chronic hives. By tackling the root of allergic reactions Xolair provides long term relief and improved quality of life for your child.

If you’re interested in learning more about Xolair and how it can help your child manage their allergies contact Empower Allergy Treatment today to schedule a consultation.

Contact Us Today to find out how Xolair can help your child live a safer, more comfortable life.