As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where Xolair interactions can occur. In these cases, use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with Xolair (omalizumab) include the following:
- There have not been any formal studies on drug interactions with this medication
- However there is at least one medication to be avoided (Risk X) and that is loxapine. The only formulation that can cause severe interactions is the inhaled formulation.
Please note that because there are no extensive studies regarding interactions with this medication, that there can be potential Xolair interactions with drugs not listed here.
Omalizumab and Mepolizumab
Omalizumab and mepolizumab (Nucala) are medication injections that can help treat asthma; there are no known negative interactions between these medications. In fact, a case study published in 2018 showed that a combination of these medications might provide more effective treatment for severe and persistent asthma than monotherapy (single-drug therapy).
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with Xolair include:
- This medication is not known to interact with any specific foods
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Xolair and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on Xolair and alcohol interactions.
Diseases and Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with Xolair include:
- This drug is not known to interact negatively with any specific diseases or medical conditions other than a hypersensitivity to Xolair or its ingredients
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this drug.
Xolair and COVID
Xolair is not associated with an increased risk of getting COVID. While Xolair does affect the immune system, it only affects the parts of it that handle allergic responses.
Xolair and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on Xolair and pregnancy risks.
Xolair and Weight Gain
There are no reports of individuals taking Xolair experiencing weight gain.
Xolair and Coronavirus
Xolair does not raise the risk of getting coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, the novel (new) coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This fact is because it only acts on the part of the immune system that handles allergic reactions.
Xolair and Cancer
Studies on Xolair use and cancer have shown a slightly higher rate of malignancies (cancerous tumors) in Xolair patients. Some patients developed certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, or skin cancer, while taking omalizumab. However, a later observational study showed similar malignancy incident rates in patients taking Xolair and those not taking it.
Xolair and Hair Loss
Based on clinical studies involving individuals with chronic hives, hair loss or alopecia occurs in roughly 2 percent of those taking omalizumab.
Xolair and Joint Pain
Clinical studies involving individuals with asthma have shown that 8 percent of those treated with Xolair experienced joint pain compared to 6 percent of those in a placebo group. For those with chronic hives, clinical studies showed that 2.9 percent experienced joint pain compared to 0.4 percent of those in a placebo group.
Omalizumab and Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatitis (irritated skin) occurred as an adverse reaction in 2 percent of patients treated with omalizumab compared to 1 percent of those in a placebo group based on clinical studies.
Omalizumab and Asthma
Omalizumab is intended for use in patients 6 years of age or older who have moderate to severe allergic asthma. This drug should not be used to treat other types of asthma, such as status asthmaticus or acute bronchospasm.
Omalizumab and ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis)
Experts have studied the use of omalizumab as a treatment for ABPA. For example, a 2017 study showed that this drug was associated with reduced serum IgE levels and a lower need for steroid use to control symptoms. Additional studies are needed to better understand the effects of omalizumab for those who have ABPA.
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