Individuals who are unable to take Xolair (omalizumab) due to a hypersensitivity to it or for other reasons have alternative medications to explore. It’s important to discuss the safety and risks of using these Xolair alternatives with a doctor.
Xolair Alternatives
What are your options when it comes to alternatives for Xolair?
Xolair Biologic Alternative
Mepolizumab (Nucala) is a potential biologic alternative to Xolair. A 2019 study showed that patients with asthma who switched to mepolizumab after taking omalizumab had improvements in their symptoms with no tolerability problems.
Other potential biologic alternatives to omalizumab include:
- Dupilumab (Dupixent)
- Reslizumab (Cinqair)
- Benralizumab (Fasenra)
Omalizumab Alternatives for Pregnancy
Although there are alternatives to omalizumab, such as dupilumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab, the risks to pregnant people and developing fetuses are unknown. Pregnant individuals who take omalizumab should discuss alternatives with their doctor.
There may be other alternatives for asthma for pregnancy that are not monoclonal antibodies (mabs).
Omalizumab Alternatives for Fertility
Experts have not sufficiently studied the effects of omalizumab on fertility in humans. Clinical studies involving monkeys, though, showed that omalizumab did not affect male or female fertility. Individuals who are concerned about using omalizumab while trying to conceive should discuss the use of potential alternatives, such as dupilumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab, with their doctor.
FAQ
Is there a generic drug for Xolair?
Xolair is not available as a generic medication at the time of writing. (but the name of the generic is omalizumab)
Is Fasenra the same as Xolair?
Xolair and Fasenra are not the same: they are two different types of biologic treatments for asthma. Xolair helps prevent IgE from triggering asthma symptoms, while Fasenra lowers the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). This action leads to reduced asthma symptoms or better controlled asthma.
What is the difference between Xolair and Nucala?
Xolair and Nucala can both treat asthma, but they work in different ways. Xolair affects IgE levels in order to reduce or control asthma symptoms. Conversely, Nucala affects eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Specifically, this medication reduces the number of eosinophils, resulting in better asthma control.
Is omalizumab an immunosuppressant?
Omalizumab is an immunosuppressant, meaning it “lowers” the immune system. It does not affect the entire immune system, though. This medication only works on the part of the immune system that handles allergic reactions.
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