Omalizumab: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Omalizumab is a synthetic antibody known as a monoclonal antibody. Omalizumab is used as a treatment to improve asthma control in adults and children six years and older who have severe, persistent asthma that occurs as a result of allergies. Omalizumab works by preventing the body from reacting to allergens that would normally cause an asthma attack. Omalizumab will not work to treat an acute asthma attack. Asthma patients should keep their inhaler at all times in case of an asthma attack. Instant improvement may not be seen in asthma after beginning Omalizumab treatment. It usually takes several weeks to have the full impact. Omalizumab is not a permanent cure for the allergy and if the treatment is stopped or interrupted it may cause asthma symptoms to come back.

OMALIZUMAB SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Omalizumab may include reactions at the injection site, such as pain, redness, itching, swelling, headache, sleepiness, dizziness, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, rash, hives or itching, pharyngitis, cough, allergic bronchospasm, flushing, low blood pressure, weight gain, fatigue, swollen arms, and flu-like sickness. Rare side effects of Omalizumab may include severe swelling of the lips, throat and tongue, parasitic infections, hair loss, muscles aches, and joint swelling or pain.

Omalizumab Warning and Caution

Omalizumab will not work to treat an acute asthma attack. Asthma patients should keep their inhaler at all times in case of an asthma attack.

Despite being used to treat allergic asthma, Omalizumab can on rare occasions cause allergic reactions. Seek medical attention right away.

Omalizumab should be used with caution in:

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Autoimmune diseases

Conditions caused by antibody-antigen complexes.

Diabetes (Omalizumab injections contain sucrose).

Glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, fructose intolerance or sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (Omalizumab injections contain sucrose).

Omalizumab should not be used to prevent or treat other allergic reactions

Omalizumab and Pregnancy

Omalizumab is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless considered necessary by the physician.

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while using Omalizumab.

Omalizumab Overdose

In case of Omalizumab overdose seek medical attention right away.