Maybe you have asthma. It's hard to control it even with the usual medications. Or maybe you're tired of having hives all over your body that last for days. Some people also have a condition called nasal polyps that can cause a lot of trouble. So, today we're going to talk about a slightly different, specialized injection that doctors recommend to treat these conditions.
What kind of medicine is Omalizumab?
Simply put, Omalizumab is a medication that prevents asthma symptoms from occurring . Doctors usually prescribe it when other medications have not worked. In addition, as we mentioned earlier, it is also used to treat chronic hives and nasal polyps.
This is how it works: This medicine reduces the release of chemicals in our body that cause allergy symptoms. This reduces inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. It also reduces itching on the skin.
But this is very important: This vaccine is not used to treat a sudden asthma attack. It is a medicine that provides long-term control of the disease. These belong to a special class of drugs called ``Monoclonal Antibody''.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer | If you currently have cancer or have had it in the past. |
| Parasitic infections | If you have or have had a parasite infection such as pinworms. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Omalizumab, hamster proteins, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or expecting a baby. |
| Breastfeeding | If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby. |
How is this vaccine used?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin . This will usually be given to you by a medical team in a hospital or clinic. However, in some cases, you may be taught how to give yourself this injection at home.
- If you are using it at home: If so, you will be given proper training on how to prepare the medicine and how to give the injection. You should follow those instructions exactly. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
- Used needles: It is very important to put your used needles and syringes in a sharps container . Never throw them in the trash. If you don't have one, ask your healthcare team about how to get one.
- Instruction leaflet: You will receive a special instruction leaflet ``MedGuide`` with this medicine. Read it carefully before each use. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes. This medicine can be prescribed to children as young as 6 years old for some selected conditions. However, this is at the discretion of the doctor, and there are a few things to be aware of.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?
- If you are being given medication at a hospital/clinic: It is very important not to miss your medication appointment. If you are unable to attend on the scheduled day, please call the medical team and let them know.
- If you are giving yourself the vaccine at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then continue taking your medicine as usual. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Your medical team will monitor your condition closely while you are taking this medicine. They will also decide how long you will need to be under medical supervision after each injection. You may also need to have blood tests.
Remember, the benefits of this medicine are not immediate. Symptoms will gradually improve. Do not stop taking any other medicine you are currently taking without your doctor's advice.
Another thing is that some people who are at high risk of parasitic (worm) infections may develop such an infection after taking this medicine. If you are at risk, your doctor may test a stool sample to check for it.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reaction or angioedema | Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever and swollen lymph nodes with a skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, pain, numbness or tingling in the limbs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, joint pain, nausea, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. Ask your doctor for more information.
How to store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Storage: This should be kept in the fridge . Never keep it in the freezer.
- Safety: Keep the medicine in its original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from light.
- Expiration: Discard any medicine left after the expiration date.
- Disposal: Ask your doctor or medical team for advice on how to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
Take-Home Message
- Omalizumab is a special injection given for conditions such as asthma, chronic hives, and nasal polyps that are not controlled by regular medications.
- This is not used for an asthma emergency. It is a medicine that provides long-term control of the disease.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms (such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing), seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Do not stop taking the medicine or any other medication without your doctor's advice.
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