Xolair is a prescription injection that is prescribed for patients with asthma or certain allergic diseases. In this post, we'll take a closer look at it - everything you need to know, from how it works to how to use it. You'll also find information on how the shot can help you relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What is Xolair?
Xolair is prescribed to treat people with moderate to severe allergic asthma , chronic urticaria, nasal polyps and related conditions. Xolair is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Germany.
The active ingredient in Xolair, omalizumab , is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the action of immunoglobulin E (IgE). This protein structure plays a key role in the development of asthma and allergic reactions, especially when it is present in excessive amounts in the body.
Xolair is injected subcutaneously under the skin . This is in contrast to most other asthma medications, which are inhaled. Depending on the patient and the doctor's prescription, Xolair is injected approximately every 2 to 4 weeks .
There are two different forms in which Xolair is available: either as a pre-filled syringe that you can inject yourself at home, or as a powder that must be mixed and administered by a healthcare professional. Xolair is only available on prescription, and its use must therefore always be well discussed with a doctor.
Xolair effect
Xolair is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to and blocks immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE). This prevents IgE from binding to the receptors of immune cells, which prevents the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances .
In simpler terms , the body can be thought of as a large factory that, in certain cases, sets off too many "alarms". When it senses something, such as pollen, these alarms are triggered and can cause asthma attacks or even hives. Xolair is the "security guard" that can control and reduce the number of alarms.
This is what distinguishes Xolair from other medications of this type: It targets the cause directly and prevents the problem from occurring in the first place , whereas other medications often only relieve symptoms or relax the airways after an asthma attack.
Xolair vs. Fasenra - Which medication is right for you?
Another monoclonal antibody, Fasenra, is often compared to Xolair and is also used to treat severe asthma. The main difference, however, is in the mechanism of action : while Xolair targets immunoglobulin E (IgE), Fasenra focuses on interleukin-5 (IL-5).
This different target structure makes Fasenra particularly effective in eosinophilic asthma , a specific form of asthma characterized by an increased number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood or lungs.
Xolair is mainly used to treat people with allergic asthma , while Fasenra is more used for eosinophilic asthma. Depending on the type of asthma and the individual response of each body, the decision as to which medication will be used is made.
Xolair application
Xolair prefilled syringes are easy to use after patients have been instructed by a doctor. It is given as an injection subcutaneously (under the skin) .
The frequency of doses is determined depending on body weight and IgE levels in the blood. This is usually every 2 to 4 weeks , but the dosage can be adjusted individually.
Common injection sites are the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The syringe is injected directly into the fat layer under the skin, making sure to change the injection site each time to avoid severe skin reactions that could affect the absorption of the medication.
In any case , your doctor should give you thorough instructions on how to use the syringe and how to inject . This is the only way to ensure the success of your treatment.
Xolair storage
The active ingredient in Xolair, omalizumab, is a biologic medicine derived from living cells. Such medicines are extremely sensitive to light and temperature and can become unstable if not properly refrigerated.
Xolair should always be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light - especially refrigerator light. According to the manufacturer Novartis, it should be stored between 2°C and 8°C .
Before use, it is recommended to allow the syringe to reach room temperature for about 20 minutes to reduce discomfort during the injection.
It is also important to note that Xolair should not be frozen under any circumstances as it will immediately lose its effectiveness. Even if it is thawed, it should not be used.
Once the Xolair prefilled syringes have been taken out of the refrigerator, they can be stored at room temperature for up to a maximum of 48 hours before they become unusable and must be discarded.
If you are travelling for a longer period of time, it is important to protect Xolair from excessively high temperatures. Medical cool boxes or special cool bags , such as those offered by 4AllFamily , are ideal for this purpose. These ensure a constant temperature and maintain the effectiveness of the medication.
Xolair side effects
Like any other medication, Xolair can cause side effects that vary from person to person. The most common side effects are listed below:
- Reactions at the injection site : Redness, swelling, pain, itching or bruising at the injection site often occur. These symptoms are usually mild and disappear on their own.
- Headaches : Some people report headaches after Xolair injection, which may vary in intensity and duration.
- Fatigue : Another possible symptom is feeling tired or exhausted.
- Severe allergic reactions : In rare cases, Xolair may cause severe allergic reactions. These include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and skin rash and severe itching. Such reactions are serious and require immediate medical attention.
Depending on the severity of the side effects, you should definitely consult a doctor . Only they can correctly assess the situation and take appropriate measures.
Xolair price
The cost of Xolair can vary greatly depending on the country, insurance coverage and required dosage. In Germany, the price can be around 500 to 1,000 euros, depending on the dosage. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your health insurance provider and doctor for an accurate cost estimate for your individual treatment.
Since Xolair is approved for the treatment of severe forms of allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria, statutory and private health insurance companies in Germany usually cover the costs if there is a corresponding prescription and justification from a specialist. Patients usually have to undergo extensive diagnostics to ensure that Xolair is the appropriate therapy.
