Re: Omalizumab.....??? Questions??

[Guest guest]

It sounds like you tried everything under the sun prior to getting this shot,

and I am happy it seems to have helped you alot!! There are still several

things my pulmonologist could try for me, before we go this route, right now we

have added Singulair. He doesn't seem to want to do a pft, I don't know why? I

told him for now I wanted to put the shot on hold and try all other avenues

first! What do you mean by IgE score? I had an IgE blood level done mine was

137, range was 0-158. Thanks again,

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > The trade name for this drug is Xolair.  I've been on it just over 1 year

and have had a great response to it.  I was told it may take 6 months to a

year to see a change.  fortunately, my reaction was much faster.

> >

> > Xolair is horrible expensive.  My 2 shots per month run nearly $1200 per

month.  My pharmaceutical provider declined to cover it, but my major medical

insurance picked it up.  The manufacturer also has a 'debit card' type set up

where the dispensing pharmacy may use the card to pay for the first $1500 (after

deductibles) in cost.  They also referred me to a foundation that has issued

me a grant that picked up the bulk of everything else.  Last year, after I

maxed out my full out of pocket expense, the  insurance company was billed

for all my Xolair for the year.....and they paid for it.  This put money back

into the foundation so that others may have help.  I look at it as a

stype of loan to keep me afloat.  I am now in the process of reapplying for

the grant.

> >

> > Please feel free to aske me about anything else related to this med.  I

am ok with off-line contact if you prefer.

> >  Mike McBride

> >

> > O God do not leave me.. I have done nothing good in your sight, but

according to your goodness, let me now make a beginning of good. - Abba

Arsenius

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > From: AMANDAM <spotsabiya@ ...>

> > To: asthmayahoogroups (DOT) com

> > Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 1:45:03 PM

> > Subject: Omalizumab.. ...??? Questions??

> >

> >  

> > Hi, I went to see my lung doctor, and told him that the Advair 500 2x day,

and using my combivent a few times a day, was not effectrive in keeping my

asthma under control in this cold weather. It is triggered by cold and exertion,

in my view, all my positive allergy tests were for grasses, highly allergic, the

grass here is dead, and mod. allergy to cats, I have all my asthma attacks out

in the cold, or when exercising. My doc feels it is still allergy related, I did

not have asthma until after my hysterectomy last year. He put me on singulair,

and to continue as before, he also suggested this medication, Omalizumab,

anti-IgE therapy, a shot give 1x month for a year, kind of new, only out a few

years, very expensive, of course!! Has any one heard of this drug, or have

experiences with it? I am not really sure I want to go this route so soon!! My

IgE level was at the high end of normal. He says they are using this therapy to

treat difficult asthma.

> > Thankyou, A.

> >

>