Please Read! Drug Warning: Xolair
I received a letter from Genentech/Novartis outlining a new warning about Xolair. This is an update from the Feb. 2007 FDA alert, which merely encouraged people to fully read the package insert that comes with Xolair. Here is Genentech’s warning:
“Anaphylaxis, presenting as bronchospasm, hypotension, snycope, urticaria, and/or angioedema of the throat or tongue, has been reported to occur after administration of Xolair. Anaphylaxis occurred as early as after the first dose of Xolair, but also has occurred beyond 1 year after beginning regularly administered treatment.* Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, patients should be closely observed for an appropriate period of time after Xolar administration, and health care providers administering Xolair should be prepared to manage anaphylaxis that can be life-threatening.**Patients should also be informed of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instructed to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur.”
Anaphylactic reactions can be deadly within minutes. Neither the FDA nor Genentech is providing guidelines for who is at risk, so we have to assume that any user could potentially have an anaphylactic response to Xolair. If you or your child is currently using this medication, please discuss this warning with your physician. If you would like copies of the actual letter from Genentech, let me know and I can get them to you.
*This means that because even if you have used Xolair with no problems in the past, you still may experience anaphylaxis at some point.
**This means careful observation after each dose of Xolair