As a parent, partner, or caregiver, you know how difficult allergic asthma can be on your loved one. How it can turn life’s simple pleasures, such as being outdoors or participating in a physical activity, into painful and frustrating situations.

The good news is that there are ways you can help. Get involved and do your homework. Find out as much as you can about allergic asthma and how XOLAIR can help. You and your loved one will learn how to control their condition. And get back to doing the things he or she enjoys.

Tips to get you and your loved one started

Getting a diagnosis
A doctor who is specially trained in treating asthma, such as an allergist or pulmonologist, can correctly diagnose the symptoms your loved one is having. He or she may also help identify the allergens that trigger the disease.

Visiting the doctor
It’s important to be prepared with information about your loved one’s condition before going to the doctor’s office. Some things you should know:

  • What are your loved one’s symptoms?
  • How bad are they and how often do they occur?
  • What triggers the symptoms?
  • Do the symptoms affect his or her sleep?
  • Do allergies run in your family?

Also, keep in mind the doctor may run some tests to diagnose your loved one’s condition or perform an allergy evaluation to help identify triggers.

Have more questions? Click here for a personalized Doctor Discussion Guide.

Interacting with your loved one
Even if you are responsible for taking care of your loved one, it’s important to give him or her a chance to take on some responsibility. This will help them feel in control of their situation. Some examples include:

  • Allow your loved one to play a role in their treatment
  • Encourage personal growth and confidence
  • Remind your loved one how important it is to manage their disease
  • Show trust in your loved one that he or she can take medications on time

Creating a management plan
You and your loved one can work together to develop an asthma management plan to help you stay informed and organized. This includes:

  • What kinds of medications should be taken
  • When to take those medications
  • How to adjust the medication amount if your loved one’s symptoms change
  • When to call the doctor

Controlling asthma at school
For many kids, asthma symptoms and attacks can get in the way of classes and other activities. Follow these tips to help your child at school:

  • Meet with teachers and staff to provide them with:
  • A list of allergens that trigger the asthma
  • A copy of your loved one’s asthma management plan
  • Help your loved one develop an asthma action plan. For more information, click here
  • Encourage him or her to talk openly about their asthma

Keeping an eye on IgE
Did you know that IgE could play a major role in your loved one’s asthma? Make sure to ask your doctor for an IgE test. If your loved one has an IgE level between 30 and 700 IU/mL, he or she may be eligible for treatment with XOLAIR.

Learning about different treatments

There are 3 kinds of medications used to control asthma:

  1. Medicines that provide short-term relief of asthma symptoms

      a. Also called "rescue" medications

      b. Usually taken when symptoms get worse

  2. Medicines that help with long-term control of asthma

  3. Medicines that need to be taken even when your loved one is not
      experiencing symptoms

        a. It may take several weeks to see the effect of these medications

XOLAIR is a medication that has been proven effective for people with allergic asthma. Learn as much as you can about XOLAIR and find out if it is the right treatment for your loved one. Ask your doctor about XOLAIR today.

For more information on XOLAIR, please click here.

WHO is XOLAIR for?
XOLAIR® (omalizumab) for subcutaneous use is an injectable, prescription medicine for patients ages 12 and older. It is for patients with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma caused by year-round allergens in the air. A skin or blood test is done to see if you have allergic asthma. XOLAIR is for patients who are not controlled by asthma medicines called inhaled steroids.
XOLAIR helps reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma who still have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids.
Important Limitations of Use
XOLAIR has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.
XOLAIR is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
XOLAIR should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
XOLAIR should always be injected in a doctor's office. You should read the Medication Guide before starting XOLAIR treatment and before each and every treatment.
A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has happened in some patients after they received XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of "impending doom"
flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm
swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
You should not receive XOLAIR if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a XOLAIR injection. Do not use XOLAIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
In clinical studies 0.5% of patients receiving XOLAIR developed cancer, compared to 0.2% of patients receiving placebo (an injection with no active medicine).
Joint inflammation or pain, rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes have been seen in patients taking XOLAIR. Talk to your doctor if you’ve experienced any of these signs and symptoms.
In patients >12 years of age, the most commonly observed side effects in asthma studies that had a >1% difference between XOLAIR and placebo were joint pain (8%), pain (general) ( 7%), leg pain (4%), tiredness (fatigue) (3%), dizziness (3%), fracture (2%), arm pain (2%), itching (2%), inflammation of the skin (2%), and earache (2%).
In asthma studies, the most common side effects in patients, who either needed to stop XOLAIR or needed medical attention, were injection site reaction (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and sore throat (11%). These side effects were seen at the same rates in XOLAIR-treated patients as in patients in the control group who received placebo.
XOLAIR is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
XOLAIR is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking. Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your doctor tells you to do so. You may not see an immediate improvement in your asthma when beginning XOLAIR therapy.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report any side effects at 1-866-4XOLAIR (1-866-496-5247).
Talk to your doctor for more information and if you have any questions about your treatment.
Please see full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for additional important safety information.