Xolair (omalizumab) is an injectable prescription medication that is primarily used to treat moderate to severeasthma, a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult to breathe. While this medication is generally well tolerated, there areside effectsthat you should be aware of.
Terry Vine / Getty Images
This article explains the common and rare side effects associated with Xolair. It also covers the safety of long-term use, as well as what to discuss with your healthcare provider before trying this medication.
What Are the Side Effects of Xolair?
In a clinical study of over 2,000 adults, the most common side effects experienced—and the percentage of people who experienced them—were as follows:
Keep in mind, though, that individuals receiving a fake treatment in this clinical study showed a similar amount of these reactions.
Some individuals may also experience side effects such as stomachaches,nose bleeds, ear pain, andjoint pain.
A severe allergic reaction known asanaphylaxisis possible, though rare. This reaction can causehives,difficulty breathing, itching, as well asthroat and tongue swelling.
Certaintypes of cancerare also thought to be associated with Xolair treatment. However, in long-term studies, it did not increase the risk of cancer or the risk of cancer returning.
If you are experiencing any side effects, be sure to let your healthcare provider know right away. If you believe you are having a severe allergic reaction, call 911. If available,use an epinephrine autoinjectorto administer epinephrine and stop the reaction.
Injection Reactions: When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Is Xolair Safe Long Term?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement in 2014 noting a slightly higher potential risk of heart- and blood vessel-related issues in those taking Xolair.
In a nine-year study:
What Should I Talk About With My Healthcare Provider?
Before starting a Xolair treatment program, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider about:
Summary
Xolair is a prescription medication that is mainly used to treat moderate to severe asthma.
Side effects can range from mild to severe. Rare and more serious side effects may include anaphylaxis, as well as an increased risk of experiencing heart or blood vessel related issues.
Research suggests that long-term use of Xolair is considered safe and not associated with an increased risk of getting cancer or experiencing side effects.
Frequently Asked QuestionsXolair has a boxed warning for anaphylaxis.Learn MoreSymptoms of AnaphylaxisSide effects may show up shortly after the Xolair injection or up to five days later.How long they will last will depend on the side effect you are experiencing.Studies indicate that long-term use of Xolair is safe for most individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xolair has a boxed warning for anaphylaxis.Learn MoreSymptoms of Anaphylaxis
Xolair has a boxed warning for anaphylaxis.
Learn MoreSymptoms of Anaphylaxis
Side effects may show up shortly after the Xolair injection or up to five days later.How long they will last will depend on the side effect you are experiencing.
Studies indicate that long-term use of Xolair is safe for most individuals.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Patient information letter: xolair (omalizumab).MedlinePlus.Omalizumab injection.Di Bona D, Fiorino I, Taurino M, et al.Long-term “real-life” safety of omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: a nine-year study.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;130:55-60. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.013U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA approves label changes for asthma drug xolair (omalizumab), including describing slightly higher risk of heart and brain adverse events.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Patient information letter: xolair (omalizumab).MedlinePlus.Omalizumab injection.Di Bona D, Fiorino I, Taurino M, et al.Long-term “real-life” safety of omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: a nine-year study.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;130:55-60. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.013U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA approves label changes for asthma drug xolair (omalizumab), including describing slightly higher risk of heart and brain adverse events.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Patient information letter: xolair (omalizumab).MedlinePlus.Omalizumab injection.Di Bona D, Fiorino I, Taurino M, et al.Long-term “real-life” safety of omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: a nine-year study.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;130:55-60. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.013U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA approves label changes for asthma drug xolair (omalizumab), including describing slightly higher risk of heart and brain adverse events.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Patient information letter: xolair (omalizumab).
MedlinePlus.Omalizumab injection.
Di Bona D, Fiorino I, Taurino M, et al.Long-term “real-life” safety of omalizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma: a nine-year study.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;130:55-60. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.07.013
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: FDA approves label changes for asthma drug xolair (omalizumab), including describing slightly higher risk of heart and brain adverse events.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
