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Omalizumab

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Hives, urticaria, asthma, omalizumab, xolair, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, nasal polyps

Omalizumab - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Omalizumab cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain. These symptoms usually go away within 3 to 5 days.
  • Symptoms of a common cold such as blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, mild fever (below 38°C)
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Stomach pain
  • Pain in arms or legs
  • Ear pain

If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor.

Rare but serious side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions: itchy skin rash over your whole body, swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue, difficulty in breathing
  • Fever, joint/muscle pain, rash within 1 to 5 days after receiving this medication
  • Numbness or tingling feeling
  • Bone pain
  • Chest pain; passing out; shortness of breath; numbness, change in color, pain in a leg or arm
  • Trouble in breathing that is new or worse
  • Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Omalizumab , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You have any allergies, including latex allergy.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • You are taking other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
  • You are being treated for parasite (worm) infection or travelling to an area where parasitic infections are common. This medication may reduce your ability to fight against parasite infections.
  • You have kidney or liver problems.
  • You have a disorder where your immune system attacks part of your own body (autoimmune disease).

Do not stop your steroid tablets or inhaler all of a sudden after starting omalizumab, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Omalizumab ?

  • Updated on 9/30/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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