Omalizumab (Xolair) is a drug that interferes with natural antibodies called IgEs to prevent them from causing histamine release from certain cells in the body. It can improve urticaria and angioedema as histamine is responsible for hives and swellings.
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Omalizumab (Xolair) is a drug that interferes with natural antibodies called IgEs to prevent them from causing histamine release from certain cells in the body. It can improve urticaria and angioedema as histamine is responsible for hives and swellings.
It is used to treat chronic urticaria and angioedema that does not respond to the standard treatments e.g. H1 antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine), H2 antihistamines (famotidine) and leukotriene antagonist therapy (montelukast).
Side effects of omalizumab are rare. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, fever, joint pain (flu like symptoms) and injection site reactions (bruising, swelling, redness, pain, warmth, stinging, itching). Anaphylaxis is a potentially serious allergic reaction which can very rarely occur after the injection. Please inform your medical team if you notice any of the following during or after your injection: itching, rash, swelling of the face, neck, tongue, hands and feet, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, dizziness, an upset stomach, blurred vision, chest pain.
If you are planning to travel to an area with a high risk of parasitic infections please let your doctor know as omalizumab removes IgE that is needed to fight parasitic infections.
For further information about omalizumab, including a complete list of side effects, read the product information sheet which comes with the injections. If you have any questions about omalizumab, please ask your doctor at OneWelbeck.
Omalizumab is given as two 150mg injections subcutaneously (under the skin) every 4 weeks. It is delivered in an outpatient setting. The injections are very quick but patients stay under observation for 2 hours after the first injection to monitor for signs of an allergic reaction.
Response to omalizumab is assessed at/after the 4th dose (4th month). If there has been no significant improvement, omalizumab is stopped. If urticaria has responded to the treatment, the 6 month course will continue. If the urticaria/angioedema returns after the course, omalizumab can start again. Home therapy (usually after the first 4 months) can be considered.
Introduction
Treatment
Two 150mg injections every 4 weeks Home same day
Aftercare
Stay hydrated
Recovery
8 days
Health Insurance
This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
Self-Pay Available
This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.
Consultation Required
For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
Self Referral
No doctor referral needed in order to book this service, although health insurers may require a referral in order for your treatment to be covered.
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