The generically named drug omalizumab is marketed in the United States under the brand name Xolair. It is a prescription-only medication administered via injection to aid in the treatment of asthma that is caused by allergies. It typically is prescribed in addition to more common asthma treatments, such as steroidal inhalants. Omalizumab is an immunoglobulin E (or IgE) blocker. This natural substance---IgE---produced in the human body can generate symptoms and attacks of asthma, so omalizumab works to block its release. There are no reported common serious side effects of omalizumab.
Pain
Taking the shots of omalizumab--usually given every one or two months--can cause you to experience pain as a side effects. This may be an over all aching in the body, or it may be more localized. For example, pain may occur as a headache or it can manifest in your legs. It also may occur in the joints or muscles. You also may get pain in the area around your eyes and in your cheekbones. Your neck glands may swell and cause tenderness there, the Mayo Clinic reports. You also may get a sore throat from the use of omalizumab. Drugs.com reports pain in your ears also may occur. These are common non-serious side effects of the medicine that, in most people, will be temporary, lasting only a few days after the shot. If these problems persist beyond that time, tell your physician.
Injection Site Problems
As with many intravenous medications, you may experience problems on the part of your body where the injection is administered. For example, the site of the shot may become bruised following the injection. You also may itch there and the area may be red and swollen. The injection area also may feel warm and it may sting. These all should pass in a few days and are not classified as serious, Drugs.com states.
Flu-Like Symptom Side Effects
Omalizumab may produce temporary, non-serious side effects that appear to be unrelated to the medicine. These typically affect you as if you had a cold or the flu. You may, for example, get the chills and a fever. Your body may feel cold and your sinuses may become congested or inflamed when you receive your shot. You may get a runny nose and have trouble swallowing. You also may have problems with your breathing, such as shortness of breath.
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