Xolair is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient omalizumab, a type of monoclonal antibody. This medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection beneath the skin by a medical professional approximately once a month. Xolair is indicated to reduce asthma attacks in patients who are unable to control their allergic asthma symptoms through conventional treatment methods, such as steroids. Patients should discuss the side effects of Xolair with a doctor before receiving treatment with this injection.
Injection Site Reaction
The most common side effect experienced by patients taking Xolair is an injection site reaction. During clinical trials for this medication, approximately 45 percent of patients developed a skin reaction at the injection site, according to RxList. Patients may experience pain, swelling, warmth, burning, itching, stinging, inflammation or redness at the treatment site. These side effects are temporary and subside shortly after the administration of the injection; however, patients may experience another injection site reaction during subsequent dosing.
Recurrent Infections
Patients treated with Xolair may be at an increased risk of developing recurrent viral or bacterial infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis or pharyngitis, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports. These infections may cause side effects of fatigue, body aches, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, breathing difficulties, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, chills or sweating. Patients who develop recurrent infections while taking this medication should consult a physician for further evaluation and care. Additional medication may be necessary to resolve infection symptoms in affected patients.
Headache
Approximately 15 percent of patients taking this medication during clinical trials reported developing headache pain, according to the FDA. Head pain can be uncomfortable and may interfere with a patient's ability to focus, concentrate or remain alert during daily activities. Headache discomfort may be mitigated through the use of an over-the-counter pain medication, such as paracetamol or acetaminophen.
Anaphylaxis
Unfortunately, this medication may cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis in certain patients. This side effect of treatment is rare and occurred in approximately 0.1 percent of clinical trial patients, RxList reports. Anaphylaxis side effects include breathing difficulties, facial or oral swelling, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, upset stomach, heart rate irregularities, vocal hoarseness, hives and fainting. Patients who exhibit any of these side effects after receiving an injection of Xolair should be taken to an emergency medical provider immediately.
Cardiac Abnormalities
In July 2009, the FDA issued a safety notice for Xolair noting that additional studies regarding the long-term safety of this medication suggest that patients may be at an increased risk of developing cardiac abnormalities. These heart-related problems may include heart rate irregularities, high blood pressure, heart disease or heart failure. As of September 2010, the safety investigation for this medication is still ongoing and the FDA has not made any further changes to Xolair prescribing information.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Xolair Prescribing Information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Omalizumab (marketed as Xolair) - Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review
- RxList: Xolair (Omalizumab) - Side Effects and Drug Interactions
- MedlinePlus: Omalizumab Injection
- Drugs.com: Xolair Side Effects
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