Xolair Side Effects
Generic name: omalizumab
Note: This document contains side effect information about omalizumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Xolair.
Applies to omalizumab: subcutaneous powder for solution, subcutaneous solution.
Warning
Subcutaneous route (Powder for Solution; Solution)
AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of omalizumab. Anaphylaxis has occurred as early as after the first dose of omalizumab, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, initiate omalizumab therapy in a healthcare setting and closely observe patients for an appropriate period of time after omalizumab administration. Health care providers administering omalizumab should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Selection of patients for self-administration of omalizumab should be based on criteria to mitigate risk from anaphylaxis.
Serious side effects of Xolair
Along with its needed effects, omalizumab (the active ingredient contained in Xolair) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking omalizumab:
Less common
- Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
- body produces substance that can bind to drug making it less effective or cause side effects
- difficulty in moving
- muscle pain or stiffness
- pain in the joints
- stomach pain
Rare
- Chest tightness
- cough
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- malignant tumor
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- blood in the urine or stools
- chest pain
- chills
- fever
- painful or difficult urination
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Other side effects of Xolair
Some side effects of omalizumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
- body aches or pain
- cold or flu-like symptoms
- congestion
- dryness or soreness of the throat
- headache
- hoarseness
- leg pain
- lumps
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- stuffy or runny nose
- voice changes
Less common
- Arm pain
- cracked, dry, or scaly skin
- earache
Incidence not known
- Hair loss
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to omalizumab: subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.
General
The more commonly reported side effects included injection site reactions, headache, and nasopharyngitis.[Ref]
Local
Very common (10% or more): Any injection site reaction, including pain, swelling, itching, redness, bruising, bleeding, induration, or mass (up to 45%), severe injection site reaction (up to 12%)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arm swelling[Ref]
In clinical trials, any injection site reaction occurred in 45% and 43% of patients given this drug and placebo, respectively; severe reactions occurred in 12% and 9%, respectively.[Ref]
Immunologic
Very common (10% or more): Viral infection (up to 37%)
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Moniliasis, parasitic infection
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anti-omalizumab (the active ingredient contained in Xolair) antibody development
Postmarketing reports: Serum sickness, allergic granulomatous angiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome), lymphadenopathy[Ref]
In clinical studies, viral infection occurred in 37% and 39% or patients given this drug or placebo, respectively. Increased parasitic infections, compared to placebo, were not statistically significant.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 27%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, vasovagal syncope, somnolence, paresthesia
Frequency not reported: Migraine, sinus headache[Ref]
In clinical trials, headache occurred in 37% of patients given either this drug (n=716) or placebo (n=694); headache occurred very commonly in patients 6 to 12 years old.[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Very common (10% or more): Back pain (up to 13%)
Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, myalgia, sprains, strains, extremity pain, fracture
Postmarketing reports: Joint swelling[Ref]
Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, viral upper respiratory infection (URI), URI
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pharyngitis, cough, allergic bronchospasm
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Laryngoedema
Frequency not reported: Asthma, oropharyngeal pain[Ref]
In clinical trials with chronic idiopathic urticarial, patients reported nasopharyngitis 9.1%, 6.6%, and 7% in 150 mg, 300 mg, and placebo, respectively; sinusitis (1.1%, 4.9%, 2.1%), cough (1.1%, 2.2%,1.2%), and upper respiratory infection (11.1%, 3.4%, 2.1%) were also reported by patients, respectively.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Dermatitis, pruritus
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin rashes, flushing, photosensitivity
Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, hair loss[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fever, earache
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fatigue, post-injection phenomena[Ref]
In clinical trials, fever occurred very commonly in patients 6 to 12 years old.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
In clinical trials, upper abdominal pain was very common in patients 6 to 12 years old. In clinical trials with chronic idiopathic urticarial, patients reported nausea 1.1%, 2.7%, and 2.5% of the time with 150 mg, 300 mg, and placebo, respectively.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Upper abdominal pain, nausea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis
Frequency not reported: Toothache[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema
Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactoid reactions[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Postural hypotension
Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema, arterial thrombotic events (including transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and cardiovascular death)
Postmarketing reports: Hypotension, chest tightness[Ref]
Hematologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asymptomatic platelet decreases
Postmarketing reports: Idiopathic severe thrombocytopenia, eosinophilic conditions[Ref]
In clinical trials, 0.6% of patients developed decreased platelet counts below the normal laboratory range; these patients did not have associated bleeding episodes or decreased hemoglobin.[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increases[Ref]
Psychiatric
Frequency not reported: Anxiety[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
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More about Xolair (omalizumab)
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References
1. Product Information. Xolair (omalizumab). Genentech. 2003.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.