Does Xolair cause weight gain?
There were no reports of weight gain or weight loss in clinical trials with Xolair.
Weight gain is more likely to be caused by corticosteroids, hydroxyzine, or antihistamines that may also be used to treat allergic asthma or hives.
Xolair (omalizumab) is an antibody that may be used to treat allergic asthma that is
- Moderate-to-severe
- Persistent
- Not adequately controlled by inhaled corticosteroids
- In adults and children aged 6 and over who have had a positive skin test to an allergen or who react to an allergen that is present in their environment year-round.
Xolair is also approved to treat:
- Urticaria (hives) in adults and children aged 12 and older who have already tried antihistamines without success
- Nasal polyps in adults aged 18 years and older
- And to reduce the risk of allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) in adults and children aged 1 year and older with Ig-E-mediated food allergies.
Xolair is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once every two to four weeks. The dosage of Xolair is based on body weight.
If your weight does change while taking Xolair, talk with your doctor who can recommend diet and exercise tips to encourage a healthy weight.
References
- Xolair (omalizumab). Product Information. https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/xolair_prescribing.pdf
- Kessel A, Helou W, Bamberger E, et al. Elevated serum total IgE--a potential marker for severe chronic urticaria. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2010;153(3):288-293. doi:10.1159/000314370
- Xolair (omalizumab). Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326828#how-it-works
Read next
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading
Is Xolair an immunosuppressant?
Xolair does act on the body’s immune system to prevent an allergic response, but because it only acts on the allergic arm of the immune system, it does not appear to compromise the immune system as other immunosuppressants do. Xolair is not like traditional immunosuppressants, such as prednisone or cyclosporine because it does not increase the risk of infection nor the risk of COVID-19. Continue reading
How long before Xolair starts working?
Free serum IgE levels are decreased within an hour of Xolair administration. However it may take several months for the full effects of Xolair to be seen, although some symptom improvement may be noted after a few weeks. Significant improvements were noted after 4 months in those with allergic asthma, after 3 months in those with chronic urticaria, and after 16 to 20 weeks in those with Ig-E-mediated food allergies. Continue reading
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Drug information
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