Omalizumab was approved in 2003 as a new treatment for
patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma. IgE as it's known
is an antibody we all have and is responsible for causing allergic problems in
some people. Omalizumab may reduce allergic reactions by causing free IgE to
disappear from the body so that the IgE cannot attach to pollen (and other
substances that are present).
Its use
should be limited to those patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic
asthma who:
Are inadequately controlled with appropriate combination
therapy
Have complications due to inhaled or oral steroid
use
Have increased urgent care, emergency department or inpatient
service needs due to asthma exacerbations
Have significant problems
with activities of daily living
Have problems taking regular medication prescribed to
treat asthma.
Omalizumab should be administered every two to four weeks by injection based on body weight and total serum IgE levels.
To treat your allergy and asthma symptoms, your
allergist/immunologist at Henry Ford Health Systems will prescribe the
medications that are best for you and your specific symptoms. If you have side
effects from any medications, be sure to contact your
doctor.
