Omalizumab is a drug used to treat asthma that has been diagnosed through allergy testing. This drug is known to reduce the frequency of recurrence of asthma attacks. Omalizimab is not intended for the treatment of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus.
Omalizumab belongs to a group of monoclonal antibodies that work by inhibiting the body's natural substances, namely immunoglobulin E (IgE). By inhibiting this substance, asthma symptoms can subside. This drug is available in the form of an injection that will be given directly by a doctor at a hospital or health facility.
Omalizumab trademark: Xolair
What is Omalizumab
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Monoclonal antibodies |
| Benefit | Treat asthma |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Omalizumab for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. It is not known whether Omalizumab is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Omalizumab
There are several things you should pay attention to before using omalizumab, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Omalizumab should not be used by someone who is allergic to latex, pollen, or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of infection, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, are not feeling well, or have an infectious disease, including a parasitic infection such as toxoplasmosis or malaria.
- Tell your doctor if you have had a previous heart attack, severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a stroke or cancer.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, allergic reaction to a drug, or a more serious side effect after using omalizumab.
Dosage and Rules for Use Omalizumab
Omalizumab will be injected directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The injection is done under the skin (subcutaneous/SC). The dose given depends on the patient's health condition and body response.
The following is the distribution of omalizumab doses based on the condition, IgE levels, and patient age:
Condition: Asthma
- Adults weighing 30–90 kg:150–375 mg every 4 wk, dosage adjusted according to serum IgE level.
- Adults weighing >90–150 kg: 225–300 mg every 4 wk, dosage adjusted according to serum IgE level.
- Children: The dose is determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
Condition: Chronic idiopathic urticaria
- Mature: 300 mg every 4 weeks
- Children: The dose is determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
How to Use Omalizumab Correctly
Omalizumab injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor through an injection under the patient's skin. At the beginning of the administration of the drug, close monitoring is necessary, because this drug can cause a severe allergic reaction.
Follow your doctor's advice and advice if you are on treatment with omalizumab. Do not stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first.
Carry out the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. While on treatment with omalizumab, you may be asked to have a skin allergy test, lung function test, or a complete blood test.
Omalizumab Interactions with Other Drugs
It is not known with certainty the drug interactions that can occur when omalizumab is used with other drugs. However, omalizumab may decrease the effectiveness of antiparasitic drugs.
To prevent unwanted drug interactions, be sure to tell your doctor if you are or will be taking any other medications while taking omalizumab.
Omalizumab Side Effects and Dangers
Omalizimab can cause anaphylactic reactions, which can be characterized by shortness of breath due to narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), hypotension, fainting, hives, or angioedema. Immediately see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Side effects that can occur after using omalizumab include:
- Bruising, swelling, pain, or irritation at the injection site
- Headache or dizziness
Do an examination to the doctor if the above complaints do not subside or even get worse. See your doctor right away if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Severe chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, excessive sweating, visual disturbances, slurred speech, or confusion
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Shortness of breath or coughing up blood
- Fever, unwell, sore throat, or cough that doesn't go away
