Omalizumab Flashcards
1
Q
What is omalizumab and how does it work?
A
It is used to manage severe asthma.
It is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to free human IgE.
2
Q
What are the adverse effects of Omalizumab?
A
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Churg-Strauss syndrome: may present with eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening respiratory symptoms and peripheral neuropathy
3
Q
Which asthma patienst is it used in?
A
- >= 6 years old.
- Needs continous or frequent oral corticosteroids treatment (4 or more courses in previous year)
- Optimised standard therapy (SABA, ICS, Monteleukast, LAMA, Oral steroids & smoking cessation)
4
Q
How is it given?
A
As a subcutaneous injection every 2 to 4 weeks.
