Is getting an IgE test a big deal if you don't have asthma?

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I don't have asthma but I do have miserable, terrible

spring/summer/fall allergies and would love to try Xolair for next

season. Does anyone know if the IgE test is expensive and/or a big

deal to get? I've never even heard of this test up until now.

Thanks...

[Guest guest]

IgE testing with my doc is actually less expensive than the scratch

test. HOWEVER, currently Xolair is only approved by the FDA for use

with allergic asthma. Unless you are steroid-dependent, it is

unlikely you'll receive approval for Xolair from your insurance

company. Also, it's possible Genentech might not approve you taking

it as well. (that's the manufacturer.)

Good luck,

Addy

>

> Hello,

>

> I don't have asthma but I do have miserable, terrible

> spring/summer/fall allergies and would love to try Xolair for next

> season. Does anyone know if the IgE test is expensive and/or a big

> deal to get? I've never even heard of this test up until now.

>

> Thanks...

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeff,

Your dose of Xolair is based on your weight and IgE level - that's why

it's necessary. I doubt a doctor would prescribe Xolair without doing

this test first.

To see how your IgE level is used in Xolair's dosing chart, go to this

website: http://www.xolair.com/patient/prescribing_info.jsp

Click on the link toward the bottom that says " View the full

Prescribing Information " then click on " Dosage and Administration. "

As I mentioned before, I'm going to start taking Xolair soon for an off-

label use (throat allergies), but it's very likely I'll be paying for

it myself since it's only approved for asthma. See my message from July

6th (post #3143) for more detailed pricing information.

Good luck!

, 32, Louisville

>

> Hello,

>

> I don't have asthma but I do have miserable, terrible

> spring/summer/fall allergies and would love to try Xolair for next

> season. Does anyone know if the IgE test is expensive and/or a big

> deal to get? I've never even heard of this test up until now.

>

> Thanks...

>