Omalizumab for Urticaria User Reviews (Page 2)

• MarMar
• February 26, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "I have had chronic hives every day all over my body since 1982. I went to many doctors and had all kinds of tests and no one could find out why. I researched the internet a few times a year to see if there was any new research done that would prove to be helpful. Last year I read about Xolair After a long discussion with my doctor, we decided to try Xolair injections. On the day of my first injection, I had a swollen hive 4" by 6" on my back that was very painful. After the shot, it started to shrink and I haven't had one single hive since then. I am thrilled. No side effects. My health insurance covers almost all of the cost. I am so thankful to finally be relieved of so many years of suffering!"

• Ameri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2019

Xolair (omalizumab) "Prior to starting Xolair a little over 1 year ago, I have had chronic hives for 18 years. More days with than without hives. Swelling of face, lips, eyes, hands and feet. Hospitalized several times. In ER at least 10 times a year. Zolaire ended all of that. A small manageable flair ups infrequently. No side effects whatsoever. This medicine has restored my quality of life as well as my sanity. I no longer feel as if my hives will one day kill me if a hospital isn't nearby. Thank you makers of Zolaire!"

• Fay
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 19, 2020

Xolair (omalizumab) "Ive been suffering for 18 yrs with this crazy hives I did all the pills to I'm still taking 1 Zyrtec a day, one Singulair a day, 150mg xolair shot a month I'm clean and clear and thank God. Finally after many years of misery I thought I was the only person out there suffering. The shot has been a miracle for me but I do agree with with the sugar cravings and weight gain. I have to diet and watch what I eat all the time so I don't blow up but I'm very grateful for the shot it has changed my life back to normal"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 23, 2020

Xolair (omalizumab) "2 years ago I was diagnosed with ciu - Chronic idopathic urticaria - which made my life miserable holding my ice pack all day long every where I go till my doctor introduced my to xolair injection. I got relief instantly. I get 2 shot 150mg every 4 to 6 weeks I'm so blessed this medicine has worked for me."

• Ray
• July 20, 2019

Xolair (omalizumab) "I've been taking it for a year now and still going, it is a miracle . It helped me with asthma, urticaria, redness andall over my body rashes..! Thank goodness for it. But I’m always in joint pain!! Should I take anything for it."

• WJM
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2024

Xolair (omalizumab) "I started getting monthly Xolair 300mg (2x150mg, one in each arm), injections in January of 2023, after a months-long bout of flare-ups of urticaria/angioedema. I had been suffering from intermittent flare-ups of these for several years and was just taking antihistamines along with Prednisone periodically to control it. In January of 2023, my allergist at the time suggested trying Xolair, and am I glad I did. This drug has done wonders for me. I haven't had a single flare-up of either urticaria or angioedema ever since! I started out with monthly injections every 4 weeks, but after 6 months, we decided to extend it to every 6 weeks, and I haven't had any issues by extending it. I haven't had any issues with side effects of any kind. This drug is extremely expensive and I would have never gotten on it without the help of insurance. I have never had an out-of-pocket expense that I was responsible for. Also, these injections don't make my arms ache or hurt at the injection sites!"

• Chapuna
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2019

Xolair (omalizumab) "I was diagnosed with CIU 2.5 years ago, but have been suffering for over 6 years. I have been taking Xolair for almost 2 years now. In the beginning it did wonders for me. I had no flair up, almost no itchiness at all. It was a miracle. Then this summer, after 1.5 years of 350mg/4 weeks it stopped working. I am taking 100 to 150mg of Benadryl every 6 hours, and still the itching is driving me crazy. To be able to sleep I need to strap icepack to my legs and arms to calm the itching. Anyone else is in the same boat? Thanks"

• Abee
• October 30, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I have had 2 xolair shots. I took a month break in between to think about how I felt about the experience. After the first shot I experience severe sugar craving and felt starving, for about 8 days. My joints hurt as well but by the second week things got better. The hives came back about 8 weeks after the first shot, more painful and swollen than before so I decided to get the 3nd shot. Now 2 weeks in I am still starving and craving sugar. I have gained weight but the hives are gone. Had anyone else experienced the cravings? I did notice it on one review here but would like to know if there are any others. My doctors don’t believe me. Frustrated."

• Locust...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

Xolair (omalizumab) "When I read Itchyallover’s review, it was as if I'd written it myself. It took effect 2 weeks before the 5th injection, but 10 days later it stopped. The clinic nurse said it often wears off a few days before the next one is due. It took effect again 3 days after the 5th injection but I've already had two bouts of CIU since then. I can’t rely on Xolair yet, that’s why I gave it a 6. I'm due for my 6th injection in 10 days & I’ll review again if things improve. Only acupuncture plus a Chinese bitter herb drink twice a day has kept me sane. I avoid all dairy products, reduced sugar, & only drink green tea or water. Like “Itchyallover”, I have run through all my savings for acupuncture 3 times a week & the cost of herbs. I also take Warfarin, so I can’t take Prednisone. Give me the pain of every surgery I’ve ever had (ten), than 1 hour of itching; it reminds me of a biblical plague. My daughter describes it as "a plague of locusts - under the skin"! There has been some research showing patients with chronic urticaria have low vitamin D levels and studies show taking high doses Vitamin D3 can reduce it, some research on it the study is "Relationship between vitamin D and chronic spontaneous urticaria: a systematic review""

• Gus
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I had chronic urticaria for over 13 years and I been trying every kind of medicine and nothing was working for me and no Doctor here in USA or Jordan and Colombia could help me with it, the only medicine who was helping me the prednisone, I was so disappointed because no one could help me, till my las hope I visited another dr and he explained me about Xolair and I had my first shots on June and the same day my urticaria was gone.I could not believe it I am so grateful with your medicine and my Dr who recommended to use I am happy that I found this Dr and your medicine,I will complete my injections and THANK YOU SO MUCH now I am a new man after this first injections,I don’t have the words to thank you I feel like I am a new man, thanks a thousand times"

• feeli...
• June 8, 2015

Xolair (omalizumab) "I had head to toe hives for the last 3-4 years. Antihistamines did nothing. After my first shot of Xolair, the hives went away for about 3 months. Then after the 4th shot, they came back and stayed with me for another 3 months. I just had my ninth shot and I've been hive free for 3 months. I've put on weight that I can't explain and I'm having more foods give me gas. These are not good side effects but better than the constant itching."

• pfboi...
• October 11, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "I suffered from UCI for close to a year. Non stop hives with no relief other than steroids. After many allergists one finally suggested xolair. It was covered by my insurance (BCBS). I had 3 shots, 1x per month for 3 months. It's been a year with no issues and I no longer need Xolair. Thank You to the prople who created Xolair. It changed my life!!"

• Merfle
• May 2, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "I'm on xolair for chronic idiopathic urticaria. This shot has changed my life ! I just had my 6th one today, I only get breakthrough hives about once a week and it's not very bad. My dermatographia and angioedema are completely gone. I've been able to get of most of my antihistamines and prednisone as well."

• Chris...
• November 29, 2017

Xolair (omalizumab) "I am beyond disappointed that Xolair had no effect on my chronic uticaria. For 18 years I have suffered with the disabling disease. My hives are so bad, I can not even wear clothes, because anything touching my skin causes unbearable pain, swelling, redness and my eyes become bloodshot/swollen and puss comes out of them. I also have full blown Lupus and I am Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 positive (Hl1-B7 positive). My life is completely ruined and over. Can't work, have zero support from anyone, live in poverty (than you SSD), lost my home.... horrible situation. Xolair did nothing. Not one thing! Pain, redness, swelling, itching still there after 2 months with two treatments of two shots a month. Beyond depressed. It is hard to live like this."

• PKano
• March 19, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I have a urticaria hives for almost 7 years. I have tried Zyrtec, Claritin & all other medicines. No luck. Finally I found Xoliar. It really worked well for a while. I was amazed to have that injection every time. No hives, Itching. redness. Yeah I got what I needed. But after a year I realized my elbow, and palm was getting muscle pain & joint pain in fingers. And also if I got cold it will take time to recover even I had the Cold and Cough syrups. I use to have the cold for more than 10 days. Sneezing, coughing, running nose. You can say "It might be a allergies". Yes I tried Zyrtec for allergies also, nothing worked. Xolair destroys our immune system totally whatever we built from our childhood. Some time when you get a cold, people will have fever tablet also for precaution. But after had the tablet only, they will feel fever. Same here, Slowly you will be like Asthma patient after getting Xoliar even you don't have Asthma. No Xoliar. Avoid sugar whenever possible (sugar will lead to being itchy). Good Luck."

• Gigi
• March 19, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "I have had hives since 1997 on a daily basis. I have tried every drug and combination there is. The only thing that ever worked was prednisone and we all know how hateful that stuff is. My doctor told me about Xolair a while back and we waited on my insurance to approve it. It has been the best thing that has happened to me. I started 1 1/2 years ago and havn't had a hive since my first injection. My injections were every 4 weeks for a year and now they are every 6 weeks. I do get all over muscle soreness for a week after injections but that goes away and its far better than having hives. I finally feel normal again!"

• Eboni
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "I began to experience hives and angieodema really really bad. Every morning I would wake up my body would be covered. From head to toe. My face would be 10x it's normal size. It was devastating and painful to have your hands and feet swell due to hives covering them. My allergist placed me on prednisone but that is a very mean drug!!! I was on 3 antihistamines Allegra, Zrytec, and Singular. I was on 2% hydrocortisone and nothing helped!! Until my insurance approved Xolair. It literally changed my life!! After day 3 of my first injection hives disappeared!!! Only downfall was the horrible headaches and joint pain I experience after the injections. I also have fibromyalgia and it just intensifies the pain for a few days."

• LAB_2...
• February 6, 2017

Xolair (omalizumab) "I was a very healthy 52 year old female until my first Urticaria attack in June of 2013. I was taken to the emergency room and treated with IV Benadryl. I was back in ER with the same symptoms 24 hours later. Like many of the posts I read here I went through prednisone, cyclosporine, lotions, potions, etc and about 5 prescription anti-histamines a day from June of 2013 to October 2013 trying to get relief. Nothing worked and I was miserable - not to mention drugged . I found a very good doctor who introduced Xolaire to me. I received my first Xolaire injection in October 2013 (prior to FDA approval for CIU) and am still on it Feb 2017. It's a miracle drug."

• Dligh...
• June 14, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I started getting large, itchy and painful hives 5 years ago. I have had multiple allergy tests. I was put on Xolair and it worked wonders. I lost my insurance so now I can not afford xolair without insurance. My condition has worsened. This past month I have gone to ER. The hives are the least of my concerns now. My tongue, lips, throat swell and I go into full blown anaphylaxis. The only thing that helps is epinephrine, a steroid, an antacid and Benadryl all given intravenously. It’s sad. I will keep searching for help. A nurse in one ER spoke with me once I had stabilized. He recommended that I read a book called eating for your blood type as well and histamine intolerance. I now avoid fast foods, and all sorts of pickled and cured foods as well as any foods that sit around because they contain additives and preservatives. I’m afraid to eat now and I’m craving sugar like mad. I believe I am histamine intolerant and may have some mast cell condition situation "

• hive...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2012

"I actually got Xolair for chronic idiopathic urticaria. Had horrible hives and was on high dose prednisone for 9 months with side effects. Then got my first Xolair injection. Within less than 24 hours I woke up hive free. It changed my life."

• Jane
• December 10, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I have had chronic urticaria for about 10 years. Tried acupuncture which helped me reduce my allergy meds by half but not all the way. Then started Xolair 3 months ago. It helped with hives and I was able to reduce my allergy pills to just 2 Zyrtec a day. However, I have a host of negative side effects: rash on my face that won’t go away, severe irritation of lining inside my mouth, inflamed lips, and significant weight gain. I’ve decided it’s just not worth all these negative side effects so I’m stopping Xolair."

• Sam-mo
• February 9, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I got my first shot in November and I’ve got a severe insomnia and I couldn’t sleep even with prescribed sleeping pills! My Dr gave me a 1 month break then lowered my dose to half and after one week of my second injection again I’m having a severe insomnia again and it’s affecting my life quality! I am going to ask my Dr to stop this as I’m suffering from a good quality sleep! I googled and figured out insomnia was one of side effects in some patients! Did anyone has the same problem?"

• Minne...
• September 29, 2016

Xolair (omalizumab) "Xolair shots are a life saver! I was completely covered in hives for months and tried every medication possible while still trying to attempt college. I was failing classes and hated life, I was absolutely miserable. My doctor suggested Xolair, but after seeing the price I knew there was no way. However my doctor got my connected to sign up for the pay assistance. Although they are high of cost, they are extremely worth it. I get two shots a month, and it took about 2 months for any difference and than about 4 until i was completely hive free but i have now been hive free since than! I can never thank the Xolair creator enough!"

• Alpha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2018

Xolair (omalizumab) "I'm on here because my mom takes these shots for idiopathic chronic hives. It isn't working for her unfortunatley. We live states apart and I've had some similar allergic reactions to some of you but I had some luck in discovering the foundation for it. It's a "rare" but becoming much more common allergy to mammalian meat and all mammal meat bi-products caused by a tick bite called Alpha Gal allergy. Itchy hands and feet and delayed reaction are big indicators for it. There is a simple blood test to find out and then you have to avoid mammal meat and their products like the plague. You can still eat poultry and fish, etc but for some severe cases, you have to be a strict vegan about EVERYTHING. You would not believe the amount of everyday products that use the fat from a cow or the blood of a pig, etc. pretty gross actually. Once you eliminate most to all of these, life improves dramatically! Anyways, hope this helps some of you!!!"

• DCinS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2017

Xolair (omalizumab) "I've been experiencing breakouts for months. Have gone through everything everyone else has, so no need to rehash. I'll get to the point for those who are suffering. On January 23, 2017 I received my first injection of Xolair. In less than 24 hours I was already experiencing some mild relief. It's been a full week, not one breakout of hives. It feels like I have my life back."