xolair

[Guest guest]

Alana,

Thanks for the welcome. Xolair is a new drug that came out in

2003. It is an IgE blocker. Matt may know even more about than I

do as my experiences are as a patient, not an asthma educator. IgE

is one of the immunoglobulins in the immune system that plays a big

role in allergies. Our bodies make more IgE when exposed to things

we are allergic to and the IgE binds to the surface of mast cells in

the nose and lungs which then release histamine and leukotrines and

other stuff that cause allergy and asthma symptoms. Xolair binds

with the IgE itself so that it cannot attach to the mast cells, so

the whole allergy/asthma cascade is stopped before it even gets

started. It is only used after every other avenue of asthma

medication has been tried due to it's very high costs. However, it

can be really effective and several of my doctor's patients who were

prednisone dependent asthmatics have been able to get off pred

completely and just use inhaled steroids or reduce their dose. Some

of his patients have even been able to get off most of their meds,

because allergies were the primary factor making their asthma bad.

All that said, it is not a drug that is used lightly. It is a

monoclonal antibody and is extremely expensive. It also can only be

given by injection every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the patients

weight and IgE level before starting it. It also has a small risk

of an allergic reaction to the drug, so like allergy shots, it must

be given in a doctor's office and the patient has to wait around for

a while after the shot. It is only helpful for patients with

moderate to severe allergic asthma. It does not affect other things

that cause asthma symptoms, like cold air, smoke, chemical odors,

etc.

I looked up the age guidelines after making that post and the

current labeling is for 12 and over. I think laurigirls daughter

would be too young. It is being used in patients younger than 12

now though. My doctor has a ten year old severe pred dependent

asthmatic on it who has had great results. However, I think most

doctors would be very cautious in using it for kids unless their

asthma was really severe (although it sounded like her daughter's

asthma was).

There is yahoo group asthmatics on xolair for people on the drug or

who are considering it to talk to others who have experience with

it. Most of the people there have extremely severe asthma. It's

just another thing to consider, especially for people who are on

prednisone to control their asthma. The side effects of pred are so

awful that anything to get off it is a godsend.

Lots of other people had great ideas to help her daughter that are

more basic, like getting rid of the carpeting and stuffed animals,

and Hepa filter in the bedroom and checking for food allergies. I

personally am doing all of the above, plus vitamins and trying yoga,

which my doctor recommended. I have read the Firshein book

and also would recommend it. I don't agree with all that he says,

as I think most people with any kind of moderate to severe asthma

are always going to need at least some meds, but the section on

vitamins and alternative therapies and food allergies are

excellent. Sorry this post turned out so long-I will try not to be

so wordy in the future!