For people 1 year of age and older at risk of food allergic reactions after accidental exposure.

TREATING FOOD ALLERGIES

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Learn about XOLAIR from a medical expert on food allergies

Watch as Dr. Robert Wood, Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, discusses food allergies and how they can be treated. His insight and information can help answer your questions and provide an in-depth look at how XOLAIR may help.

Healthcare providers featured in these videos received compensation to share their story. Individual results may vary.

Testing for food allergies

Food allergies are typically diagnosed through specific tests conducted by your primary care doctor or an allergist. If you suspect you or your child have a food allergy, consult your primary doctor. They may refer you to an allergist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies, including food allergies.

To diagnose the condition, an allergist may perform tests such as:

Specific IgE (sIgE) blood test

As a common diagnostic tool, an allergy blood test measures the level of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) that is specific to a particular food or a protein within the food. People who have a food allergy make more IgE than normal in reaction to that food or protein.

Skin prick test
(SPT)

A lancet, or thin needle, is used to prick the skin under a drop of allergen extract. If a person is allergic to the allergen, a raised red bump will appear at the site of the prick in about 15-30 minutes.

Oral food challenge (OFC)

Considered a highly accurate method of detecting food allergy, the allergist will ask you to eat the suspect food in measured doses. You will start with very small amounts that are unlikely to trigger symptoms. With each dose, the allergist will watch you for a period of time for any signs of a reaction.

You’ve been diagnosed with a food allergy. Now what?

Having a food allergy can feel very challenging, especially when having to make changes to what and where you eat. But it’s very possible to manage these challenges.

Once your child or you have been diagnosed, consult with your allergist for medical information and the guidance you need to manage your food allergy. Your allergist may provide guidance and information on topics such as those below:

Learn how to identify and avoid your allergen and how to practice food avoidance

Understand your symptoms and be prepared for reactions, including anaphylaxis

Talk to your doctor to learn what to do if you experience a food allergy and how to prepare for an emergency.

Talk to an allergist about XOLAIR

XOLAIR is the only FDA-approved treatment to help significantly reduce allergic reactions, including severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, from accidental exposure to one or more foods.

Find an Allergist

The directory of allergists has been developed by The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) based on their independent evaluation. Neither Genentech nor Novartis provided any input in the development of the directory and make no endorsement of any of the physicians named.

NEXT: How XOLAIR May Work >

You’ve got a whole support network on your side

From diagnosis to treatment, everyone’s food allergy experience is unique. The Support For You program is designed with YOU in mind. Access free 1-on-1 sessions and learn about programs that may help you save on XOLAIR.

What is XOLAIR?

XOLAIR^® (omalizumab) for subcutaneous use is an injectable prescription medicine used to treat food allergy in people 1 year of age and older to reduce allergic reactions that may occur after accidentally eating one or more foods to which you are allergic. While taking XOLAIR you should continue to avoid all foods to which you are allergic. It is not known if XOLAIR is safe and effective in people with food allergy under 1 year of age.

XOLAIR should not be used for the emergency treatment of any allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

What is the most important information I should know about XOLAIR?

Severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can happen when you receive XOLAIR. The reaction can occur after the first dose, or after many doses. It may also occur right after a XOLAIR injection or days later. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition and can lead to death. Go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction:

wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing
low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of “impending doom”
flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm
swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for symptoms of an allergic reaction while you are receiving XOLAIR and for a period of time after treatment is initiated. Your healthcare provider should talk to you about getting medical treatment if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do not receive and use XOLAIR if you are allergic to omalizumab or any of the ingredients in XOLAIR.

Before receiving XOLAIR, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have a latex allergy or any other allergies (such as seasonal allergies). The needle cap on the XOLAIR prefilled syringe contains a type of natural rubber latex.
have sudden breathing problems (bronchospasm)
have ever had a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis
have or have had a parasitic infection
have or have had cancer
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XOLAIR may harm your unborn baby.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if XOLAIR passes into your breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while you receive and use XOLAIR.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I receive and use XOLAIR?

When starting treatment, XOLAIR should be given by your healthcare provider in a healthcare setting.
If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver may be able to give your own XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector injections, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject XOLAIR.
Do not try to inject XOLAIR until you have been shown the right way to give XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector injections by a healthcare provider. Use XOLAIR exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
The XOLAIR autoinjector (all doses) is intended for use only in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. For children 12 years of age and older, XOLAIR prefilled syringe or autoinjector may be self-injected under adult supervision. For children 1 to 11 years of age, XOLAIR prefilled syringe should be injected by a caregiver.
See the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with XOLAIR for information on the right way to prepare and inject XOLAIR.
XOLAIR is given in 1 or more injections under the skin (subcutaneous), 1 time every 2 or 4 weeks.
In people with food allergy, a blood test for a substance called IgE must be performed before starting XOLAIR to determine the appropriate dose and dosing frequency.
Do not decrease or stop taking any of your food allergy medicine or allergen immunotherapy, unless your healthcare providers tell you to.
You may not see improvement in your symptoms right away after XOLAIR treatment. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your healthcare provider.
If you inject more XOLAIR than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away.

What are the possible side effects of XOLAIR?

XOLAIR may cause serious side effects, including:

Cancer. Cases of cancer were observed in some people who received XOLAIR.
Fever, muscle aches, and rash. Some people get these symptoms 1 to 5 days after receiving a XOLAIR injection. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.
Parasitic infection. Some people who are at a high risk for parasite (worm) infections, get a parasite infection after receiving XOLAIR. Your healthcare provider can test your stool to check if you have a parasite infection.
Heart and circulation problems. Some people who receive XOLAIR have had chest pain, heart attack, blood clots in the lungs or legs, or temporary symptoms of weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or altered vision. It is not known whether these are caused by XOLAIR.

The most common side effects of XOLAIR in people with food allergy: injection site reactions and fever.

These are not all the possible side effects of XOLAIR. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555 or Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at (888) 669-6682.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for additional Important Safety Information and Instructions for Use.