Re: Xolair for Allergic Rhinitis

[Guest guest]

Joe,

Welcome to the group!

I have severe allergic rhinitis. It is my main allergic symptom and

I used to get (on average) 9 upper resp infections a year, usually

starting as a sinus infection following a severe allergic rhinitis

episode. These are my main asthma trigger.

Xolair has helped my allergic rhinitis a great deal. Now I get

about 2 infections a year. Xolair has improved my quality of life

beyond description.

Xolair has been in clinical trials for allergic rhinitis and I think

the manufacturers are hoping to get FDA approval for use strictly

for AR in the next couple of years. I expect the guidelines for use

and approval by insurance companies will be similar to the ones for

those of us with allergic asthma who receive Xolair - the condition

must be moderate to severe, with poor control by allergy shots and

regular medicine therapies.

Xolair is extremely expensive. Most insurance companies only

approve it for their most extreme patients and as far as I know only

asthma and allergy specialists are prescribing it.

Xolair is an injectible medication sold through specialty

pharmacies. you can't just go get it at Eckerds or anything. The

retail cost depends on the dosage prescribed by your doctor, but

probably averages $26,000 per year.

Addy

>

> Hi,

>

> I'm new to the group so I thought I'd start with a few questions

from

> the experts...

>

> Has anyone used Xolair for allergic rhinitis, specifically nasal

> congestion and itchy watery eyes? If so, has it been effective?

Is it

> hard to find a physician to prescribe Xolair?

>

> Also, how expensive is the treatment? Does insurance cover any of

the

> cost?

>

> Thanks so much,

>

> Joe

>