testing IgE levels

[Guest guest]

I have a question about testing IgE levels for an possible upcoming Xolair

shot therapy.

I am not asthmatic but have several year round allergies, food allergies,

and other attendant chronic and severe health issues from the constant

allergy assult.

I am currently undergoing allergy shot therapy, getting two shots every week

to 2 weeks. My question is: does allergy shot therapy affect IgE levels?

Should I wait between shots as long as possible before having blood drawn to

test for IgE? I wants as high a level as possible, so that I might be a

candidate for the Xolair shot.

Thanks,

Theresa

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/11/2004 5:36:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

lisa.hertz@... writes:

I doubt that your insurance would cover Xolair if you do not have asthma.

The

shots are VERY VERY expensive and reserved for difficult to manage asthma

only.

Good luck wiht your allergy shots.

>>>>>

My Blue Cross pays for 80% of the cost, or $744.36 (after a yearly deductible

of $250), and I must pay the $186. difference myself. Blue Cross pays for a

large variety of asthma medications for me, so they probably figure this is

the least costly way to go in the long run.

I had a choice of going with either Nova Factor or Cura Script, and I went

with Cura Script because it was about $12 less than with Nova Factor.

I receive one 300mg shot a month, and haven't noticed any difference yet, but

I've only had the one shot.

My allergist is starting to treat patients with severe nasal allergies with

Xolair, as well as her severe asthmatics. Has anyone else heard of this?

Marge

[Guest guest]

I doubt that your insurance would cover Xolair if you do not have asthma. The

shots are VERY VERY expensive and reserved for difficult to manage asthma

only.

Good luck wiht your allergy shots.

[Guest guest]

I have heard that Xolair has been in clinical trials for severe

allergic rhinitis.

My allergic nasal symptoms have always been much worse than my

asthma, although worse in terms of frequency, not severity. Severity

wise both are terrible.

Xolair has pretty much eliminated all of my allergic rhinitis/nasal

symptoms for which I am very thankful.

Addy