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Omalizumab (oh-mal-IZ-oo-mab) is used to treat allergic asthma.
Before taking this medication, inform your physician if you have: a history
of a serious reaction to omalizumab; a history of cancer or risk of
malignancy; diabetes; a history of reaction to other antibodies; or if you
are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Before starting this medication, inform your physician of all other
medications that you are taking.
This drug is a maintenance medicine to control asthma symptoms. It is not a
rescue medicine. It is not effective for acute, emergency breathing
problems.
This medication is usually injected subcutaneously at your physicians
office.
After the injection, you should be observed for at least 2 hours, since
some patients have experienced a serious allergic reaction called
anaphylaxis following the injection. Rarely, these reactions can occur 24
hours or more after the injection. If you develop difficulty breathing,
fainting, hives, or swollen throat or tongue, seek medical attention
immediately. Carry medical contact information and if possible have an
epinephrine auto-injection device at hand.
If you have been instructed on how to inject this drug yourself at home,
follow the instructions exactly on preparation, injection and dose. Discard
needles and any unused drug properly according to local regulations.
Inform other physicians that you are receiving this drug.
Your asthma symptoms may not improve immediately. Do not change your other
asthma drugs except under the direction of your physician.
This drug is usually well tolerated, although bruises and discomfort at the
injection site, dizziness, headache, and infections may occur. Inform your
physician if you notice any unusual or troublesome effects. There have been
rare cases of malignancy, and worm infections have developed in patients at
risk, in patients taking omalizumab.
If you notice dizziness or fatigue while taking this drug, do not drive a
car or operate dangerous machinery.
This drug contains sucrose (145 mg per vial).
If you have experienced any unexpected or serious reactions to this drug,
this can be reported to Health Canada's monitoring program (toll free
telephone 1-866-234-2345, toll free fax 1-866-678-6789). Note that this is
not an emergency number. Also ensure that your physicians are informed and
record all reactions for the future.
Store this medication in the refrigerator, away from heat, light and
moisture. Keep it and needles out of the reach of children.
