What is IgE?

IgE is a natural substance found in your body that may play a major role in your asthma. It works by binding to allergens and then triggering the release of chemicals that can cause inflammation. When you are exposed to allergens, like dust or pets, this can cause 2 things to happen:

• Constriction of the airways—the muscles that surround the airways in your lungs begin to tighten
• Inflammation of the airways—your airways become irritated and swell up

Together, constriction and inflammation of the airways make it harder for you to breathe. This can lead to an asthma attack.

So let's say you're taking your asthma medications the way you should. And you’re doing everything you can to control your asthma. Unfortunately, you still might experience symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness—all because of something your body makes on its own.

What can you do about it?

Reducing IgE has been shown to be effective in asthma treatment. So it's really important to learn everything you can about IgE, including the level of IgE in your body.

Knowing your IgE level can help you and your doctor decide the most appropriate way to treat your asthma. If you don't know your IgE level, don't worry. Finding out is easy. Just ask your doctor for an IgE screening—it's a simple blood test that only takes a few minutes.

If your level falls between 30 and 700 IU/mL, XOLAIR may be an appropriate way to treat your allergic asthma. So ask your doctor today about an IgE test.

WHO IS XOLAIR FOR?
XOLAIR^® (Omalizumab) For Subcutaneous Use is a prescription medicine given by injection for people who are 12 years of age and above who have moderate to severe persistent asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air. A simple skin or blood test will confirm that you have this kind of asthma. This is known as allergic asthma. 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. XOLAIR has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.

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. 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 injections.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects in patients receiving XOLAIR included injection-site reactions (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and sore throat (11%).

Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. You may not see an immediate improvement in your asthma when beginning XOLAIR therapy.

Talk to your doctor for more information and if you have any questions about your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide for additional important information.