Omalizumab Dosing

The omalizumab dosing guidelines your healthcare provider follows will vary depending on factors such as your weight and the results of a lab test to measure the levels of a certain antibody. If these test results show a low level of the antibody, you can take omalizumab every four weeks. However, if your antibody levels are higher, you may have to take omalizumab every two weeks. Your healthcare provider is usually the one who will administer the omalizumab injections.

 

An Introduction to Omalizumab Dosing

The dose of omalizumab (Xolair®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your weight.
  • The results of a lab test measuring your IgE level. IgE is an antibody that plays an important role in allergic reactions.
     
As always, do not adjust your omalizumab dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Omalizumab Dosing for Asthma
Omalizumab is given by injection every two to four weeks. In general, smaller people or people with lower IgE levels can take omalizumab every four weeks, and those who are larger or who have higher IgE levels will need omalizumab every two weeks. The exact dose depends on your weight and your IgE level. Your IgE level will be measured using a blood test before you start omalizumab. If you have your IgE level measured again while you are taking omalizumab, your dose should not be adjusted based on this measurement (since omalizumab affects IgE levels).
 

General Omalizumab Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking omalizumab include:
 
  • Omalizumab is a medication that is injected just under the skin. Generally, your healthcare provider will administer the omalizumab injections.
     
  • Omalizumab is given every two to four weeks.
     
  • Because some people have allergic reactions to omalizumab, your healthcare provider may want to watch you for a while after you receive your injection.
     
  • For omalizumab to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Omalizumab will not work if you stop taking it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or omalizumab dosing in general, please talk with your healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;