Re: Lowest dose of Xolair

[Guest guest]

My IgE is even lower at 44. I started at 150 and it took a year to kick in. A

few months after the year the benefit would only last for 2ish weeks. My doc

called Genentech and they recommended I do 150 for 2 weeks, then 75 the next two

weeks and keep alternating. Surprisingly, my insurance co. approved it. I'm

kind of on the fence on whether the additional shot makes a difference. At

first it seemed to make all the difference in the world but in recent weeks I've

felt a little worse. It could be because of the air quality -- I've heard

seasonal allergens are higher this year because of the mild winter.

<justinlouisville@...> wrote: Hello,

I recently got my IgE test back, and it was surprisingly low - I think

it was only 92. This is good news since I will only need 1 shot per

month, but I'm wondering how effective it will be.

I'd like to hear from those of you who are getting the lowest dose of

Xolair. Is it working well for you? If not, has your doctor considered

raising the dose even though your original IgE level was low?

Thanks!

, 32, Louisville

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[Guest guest]

Hi

My IGE is 91! I have been on Xolair since February

2006 and have just had my 6th shot. I have noticed

that I am needing my Ventolin less now (was tid) and I

am going to try to go down to bid. I am on NUMEROUS

other meds as well, but I am going to try to get rid

of the Ventolin first and my Canadian medicine guru

(..wink wink) advised me that a study has been

done indicating that heavy daily usage of Ventolin

leads to more attacks. (Am I right on that ??)

Pamela

Kingston, Ontario

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[Guest guest]

Thanks for the response, !

I have a few more questions for you if you don't mind. Do you also have

allergic rhinitis or other allergic conditions in addition to asthma?

If so, did you notice any change in your other allergic symptoms early

on, or did Xolair take a full year to help other symptoms too?

Interesting that Genentech recommended using a 75 mg booster halfway

through the month. I always wonder why the doctor can't just give you

the full 150 mg in the 2nd vial while they're at it! It's already paid

for...what would it hurt? I'm glad your insurance company agreed to

pay for it though!

Thanks again,

, 32, Louisville

[Guest guest]

Hi Pamela,

I just looked up my IgE level again, and it's actually 91, not 92...so

we have exactly the same IgE level! That's weird!

I'm glad that you're starting to see some improvement and are able to

reduce the Ventolin. I'll ask you a few of the same questions I asked

...do you also have allergic rhinitis or other allergic conditions

in addition to asthma? If so, have you noticed any changes in your

other allergic symptoms yet?

Thanks for sharing your experiences so far!

, 32, Louisville

[Guest guest]

Hi

That is so weird that we have the same IGE! And yes,

I do have allergic rhinitis, which I have taken some

form of nasal spray for as many years as I can

remember! Right now I am on Nasonex. I do not have

any other allergic conditions ie: skin

conditions....just obviously allergic asthma as I am

on Xolair!

Today is my first day trying Ventolin bid...will give

it a week or so and then I am going to try to reduce

my Symbicort from 12 puffs a day to 10 puffs a day and

see how I do!

Have been off the evil candy for almost 2 months now

and have battled a couple of colds without needing to

go back on it.....maybe it's because I've been on

antibiotics twice now for an abscessed (sp?)

tooth....root canal scheduled for August 22nd.

bye for now

Pamela

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