Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Welcome Mark! It's my understanding that very few people have severe allergic reactions to Xolair. The man at my specialty pharmacy told me that only 2 of their 1400 patients reacted, and one of them typically reacted to all medications. I was also nervous about having an allergic reaction because I'm very sensitive, but thank goodness I didn't react! A quick disclaimer before I go on...we obviously can't give you medical advice here, and you will have to weigh the pros and cons of Xolair before making a decision. But, if I had a family history like yours and my own asthma was also worsening to the point where none of my medications worked, trying Xolair would be a no-brainer for me! Many of our members have amazing success stories to share. While you're waiting for their replies, you might read through some of the archives. Also, you should check out the " xolair success stories " file in the Files area. I just started Xolair myself, so I can't share my own success story yet, but I hope to add it in the future! Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Mark, We are all in your same boat. Of all the folks who've posted, we have only had 2 that have reported serious side effects that may be a result of taking Xolair. In addition, we had one woman who tried it who had a really low IgE score whose doctor wanted her to try it anyway. She did not do well with it - severe headaches- and stopped Xolair. For about a third of us, Xolair has been the near miracle cure we've hoped for. Most of the members, however, have seen moderate to significant improvement in quality of life although they may still require taking their regular meds on a daily basis. There are several of us who self-inject. Apparently this has as much to do with insurance plans and doctors as anything else. There are many docs who refuse to let their patients self-inject, but some insurance plans will not pay for the additional cost of actually getting a shot at a doc's office, so some of us inject at home with our doctor's blessing. I do, and I do not have any trouble. I did have the first two rounds of injections at the office, of course. Welcome to the group, Addy Group co-owner Remember to discuss any potential changes in your treatment plan with your doctor. --- In , " vonslivo1956 " <flash_m@...> wrote: > > Hello all. I am 50 years old (male) and have had asthma most of my > life. I have a terrible family history with both my mother and brother > succumbing to asthma at 38 and 43 respectively. My asthma has been > getting progressively worse in the last 5 years with 4 hospitalizations > and numerous rounds of predinsone and other meds. I have been in great > shape all of my life playing tennis and staying active, but now it > seems like my body is breaking down and not responding to the meds. > The steroids caused Avascular Necrosis in my hip and I had to have a > replacement about 18 months ago. Needless to say, he has been very > careful Rxing any steroids since. I have been taking Singulair, > Advair, Vospire, Prilosec and Provental....they are becoming > inaffective. He wants me to try Xolaire and I am a bit concerned about > the side affects. My mother died from an allergic reactiton to an > asthma injection and want to see if any of you know what the incident > rate is for Xolaire. In addition, can we do self injections? I see > conflicting reports about this. My doc said this may be the last > resort for me. My IGE was at 2000 last year and now down to about > 1200...he said I am an excellant candidate for this. Anyone of you in > the same boat??? Thank for your support...Mark > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2006 Report Share Posted October 5, 2006 Hi Mark, I was scared about an allergic reaction too. My IgE was over 500 before I started. I've been in the hospital 9 times in less than 3yrs. The last 3 times were because of the effects of steroids- not asthma. I've lost half a lung (infection), a disc & part of 2 vertebrae (infection) and had my arm rebuilt (osteonecrosis after a break). I'm not allowed to take steroids again! After starting Xolair in January, I haven't used my neb meds since mid-Feb. I stopped my Advair and Singular in March. All I use is my rescue inhalor. (knocking on wood). It is saving my life and letting me keep my remaining body parts. If your doc is anything like mine, he'll watch you closely when you start. I had to stay in his office for an hour with him and his RN checking in on me every 5 mins. They know if anything weird is going to happen- it will happen to me. I feel better than I have in 5 yrs. I wish you luck with whatever you decide. If you have any other questions- just ask. becki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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