Most people with asthma can control their symptoms with a daily inhaler. But for some people, this inhaler alone is not enough. Is that the case with you? When you have severe asthma, and your usual medications don't help, it can be a real burden, right? But don't worry. Recently, new medications have been introduced to treat these severe asthma conditions. These are not inhalers, but injections. One such medication is Xolair.
How does Xolair work? First, let's understand a little about asthma.
Asthma, simply put, is a chronic condition that affects our lungs. It causes inflammation of our airways, the tubes that carry air through our lungs. The muscles around them also tighten. This swelling and tightness makes the airways very sensitive. Sometimes, they can become blocked with mucus.
People with asthma experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. We call this an "asthma attack." There are various reasons, or "triggers," that can cause an attack.
The main cause of asthma in some people is allergies . The immune system of these people overreacts to certain things. We call these things allergens . For these people, when these allergens enter the body, an asthma attack can occur.
| Common Allergens | |
|---|---|
| Pollen | Fine particles emitted from flowers and leaves. |
| Animal dander | Small pieces of skin that fall off pets (dogs, cats). |
| Dust mites | Small insects that are invisible to the eye and live in the dust of houses. |
| Mold | A type of fungus that grows in damp places (bathrooms, walls). |
The main goal of treating asthma is to reduce this swelling and tightness in the lungs. This makes it easier to breathe and reduces the number of asthma attacks.
The drug Xolair contains the active ingredient omalizumab . It works by blocking a substance called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in our body. When an allergen I mentioned earlier enters the body, our body produces large amounts of this IgE. When this IgE is blocked in the body of a person with allergic asthma, the body's response to allergens and lung swelling are reduced.
Can anyone with asthma use this medicine?
No. Most people with asthma can control their symptoms with regular inhalers. Sometimes, the condition is well controlled with oral medications.
Xolair is only given to people with severe asthma who are unable to control their symptoms despite using the highest recommended dose of their inhaler. Also, to use this medicine, you must have been medically tested and confirmed to have an allergy to a perennial aeroallergen, such as animal dander or dust mites.
How did you find out how effective this medicine is?
Many clinical studies have been done to find out if Xolair is safe and effective. These have been done in both adults and children.
All of the participants in this study had difficulty breathing even after using the maximum dose of inhalers. They were also confirmed to have allergies, such as dust mites.
Simply put, this is how the research was done:
- One group was given the Xolair vaccine. The other group was given a dummy vaccine, a placebo . But no one knew what they were getting.
- Everyone was told to continue using their regular inhalers.
- After a few months, everyone's corticosteroid inhaler dose was gradually reduced.
- Then they looked at whether those who took Xolair had more relief than those who took placebo.
What are the benefits of the research?
Two main benefits were clearly visible.
1. Reduced severe asthma attacks: The Xolair group had a significantly lower number of severe asthma attacks than the placebo group. This was maintained even after the inhaler dose was reduced.
2. Ability to reduce inhaler dose: About 75% of people who took Xolair were able to reduce their daily corticosteroid inhaler dose by half, compared to only 50% of those who took placebo.
This means that Xolair not only reduces the frequency of severe asthma attacks, but also helps reduce dependence on steroid inhalers.
How is the Xolair vaccine used?
Xolair is a subcutaneous injection . It is given every 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide how often you need to receive the injection, based on your age, weight, and the level of IgE in your blood. The injection can be given in the thigh, abdomen, or back of the upper arm.
The important thing is that the first few doses of the vaccine are always given in a hospital or clinic. This is to monitor whether you have any allergic reactions. After that, if you meet certain criteria, your doctor may allow you to inject yourself at home.
There are two ways to get this medicine. One is a pen-like device called an autoinjector . This allows you to easily inject the vaccine without using a syringe or needle. The other is the syringe that comes with the needle as usual. If you are allergic to latex, don't forget to tell your doctor about it. Because some syringes may contain latex.
How long does it take to get relief from this?
If the Xolair vaccine is right for you, you should start to feel better within a few weeks . Over time, you will have fewer asthma attacks. You may also be able to reduce the dose of your corticosteroid inhaler.
Very important: No matter how good your breathing is, never stop taking any of your asthma medications or change the dosage without talking to your doctor. Doing so may make your symptoms worse again.
If you don't feel any change after a few months, inform your doctor about that as well.
Side effects and how to manage them?
People taking Xolair may be slightly more likely to get respiratory infections (sore throats, colds). The best way to prevent this is to wash your hands often, stay clean, and stay away from people who are sick. And get your annual flu shot.
Very rarely, some people can have a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis , after the first dose. This is a very serious condition. That's why your first few doses are always given in a hospital setting. There, trained medical staff will monitor you and be ready to treat you immediately if any problems arise.
Not only these, but other side effects may also occur. If you have any symptoms that are bothering you, talk to your doctor.
Can there be problems with other medications?
There are no known serious interactions between Xolair and other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications (prescribed or over-the-counter), vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Xolair is a special injection given to people with severe allergic asthma that cannot be controlled with regular inhalers.
- This works by blocking the substance called IgE in the body that causes allergies.
- This is an injection that is given under the skin every 2 to 4 weeks. The first few doses are usually given in a hospital.
- This can reduce the occurrence of severe asthma attacks and the use of steroid inhalers.
- Never stop taking any other asthma medication or change the dosage without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor immediately about any unusual symptoms or side effects.
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