Omalizumab

Common side effects include:

• Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain. These symptoms usually go away within 3 to 5 days.
• Symptoms of a common cold such as blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, mild fever (below 38°C)
• Headache
• Feeling tired or weak
• Stomach pain
• Pain in arms or legs
• Ear pain

If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor.

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Allergic reactions: itchy skin rash over your whole body, swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue, difficulty in breathing
• Fever, joint/muscle pain, rash within 1 to 5 days after receiving this medication
• Numbness or tingling feeling
• Bone pain
• Chest pain; passing out; shortness of breath; numbness, change in color, pain in a leg or arm
• Trouble in breathing that is new or worse
• Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You have any allergies, including latex allergy.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• You are taking other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You are being treated for parasite (worm) infection or travelling to an area where parasitic infections are common. This medication may reduce your ability to fight against parasite infections.
• You have kidney or liver problems.
• You have a disorder where your immune system attacks part of your own body (autoimmune disease).

Do not stop your steroid tablets or inhaler all of a sudden after starting omalizumab, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

• Your doctor will decide the right dose of the medication for you and how often you should receive it.
• The medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin) by the nurse.