Xolair

[Joycies]

I am going to have Xolair shortly, can anyone tell me what to expect, i don’t know anyone receiving it.

Thank you,

Pam

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi Pam

It’s nothing to worry about. Your first time they’ll go through the information pack and answer any questions you have. Then it’s a few injections (no. and frequency depends on IgE level and weight ) usually into the back of your upper arm. The first few times you will be asked to wait about for a few hours so make you you don’t have any bad reaction to it, then after the trial period it’s about 30mins. On starting it I was given an epipen just in case but anaphylaxis is such a rare side effect (esp in those whose never had it) and it usually comes on immediately after the dose so I don’t think they are giving them out anymore... but if you get one that’s why so don’t panic!

My main side effects (until hypersensitive reaction) was an achy arm the day of, and a headache the couple of days after. It never completely solved the issue but for some it works really well. I was on xolair for 7 months but started developing hives and angioedema (no anaphylaxis so no epipen needed!) so xolair was stopped and the issue has since calmed down.

I hope that helps a bit with explaining the process. Good luck and I hope it’s your ‘miracle cure’ that some asthmatics find it to be! X

[Joycies in reply to EmmaF91]

Hi Thank EmmaF91,

I know it is silly , but I am nervous about the side effects. I have had bad reactions to drugs before. This seems like my last chance at feeling better, which is crazy but there you are.

Thanks again,

Will let you know how it goes. Pam

[Js706 in reply to Joycies]

I’ve been on xolair since July with injections every 2 weeks and I’ve not had any side effects at all from it! (Apart from a slightly sore arm on one or two of them)

so don’t worry, there’s every chance you won’t have issues at all

[Joycies in reply to Js706]

Hi,

Thanks so much for telling me your experience. I have had bad side effects from other treatments, that is making me very nervous about this one, very silly I know.

Thanks again, I will let you know how things go. They have just rung to say my appointment has been cancelled, my new one is 29 Jan. So it will be a while

[Js706 in reply to Joycies]

Yeah it’s definitely understandable you’d be nervous then!

I get bad side effects from some treatments too (steroids in particular seem to have wrecked me far faster than they should!) so hopefully you’ll be fine too!

Hope it goes well when you get to it!

[Bsr92]

I’m due to start xolair next week, although I’m excited to start I’m also a bit nervous too! Heard good things about it though! X

[Joycies]

Hi

Hope your treatment goes well, fingers crossed

[Kimmy132]

Hey I have been on xolair for 26 months now!!! At the beginning used to get headaches for couple of days after injection but no longer get them. Have noticed a really good impact on my asthma since being on this xx

[Sc99By542 in reply to Kimmy132]

Hi,

Thanks for telling me how you are getting along with Xolair. My appointment was cancelled, although I have a new one for next Tuesday, so I’m hoping it suits me and goodby to all the preds.