From the FDA Drug Label
Table 8 Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of XOLAIR-Treated Patients and More Frequently than in Patients Treated with Placebo in CRSwNP Trials 1 and 2
Adverse reaction XOLAIR n=135 Placebo n=130 Gastrointestinal disorder Upper abdominal pain 4 (3.0%) 1 (0.8%)
Gastrointestinal Distress:
- Upper abdominal pain is reported in 3.0% of XOLAIR-treated patients, which is more frequent than in patients treated with placebo (0.8%) 1. XOLAIR may cause gastrointestinal distress, as evidenced by the reported adverse reaction of upper abdominal pain.
From the Research
Xolair (omalizumab) can cause gastrointestinal distress in some patients, though it's not among the most common side effects. Patients taking Xolair may experience symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. These GI side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and often resolve on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. If you're experiencing persistent or severe GI symptoms while on Xolair, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the medication on your own. Your doctor might recommend taking the injection after eating, staying well-hydrated, or in some cases, prescribe medications to manage specific GI symptoms. The mechanism behind these GI effects isn't fully understood but may relate to how Xolair affects immune system components in the digestive tract, as it works by binding to IgE antibodies which are present throughout the body, including the GI system.
Key Points to Consider
- The provided evidence does not directly address the question of whether Xolair causes GI distress, as the studies focus on proton pump inhibitors and other topics unrelated to Xolair 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, based on general medical knowledge, it is known that Xolair can cause GI side effects in some patients.
- The severity and frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally manageable with proper medical care.
- It is crucial for patients experiencing persistent or severe GI symptoms to consult their healthcare provider for guidance on managing these symptoms.
Management of GI Distress
- Patients taking Xolair who experience GI distress should contact their healthcare provider for advice on managing their symptoms.
- The provider may recommend taking the injection after eating, staying well-hydrated, or prescribing medications to manage specific GI symptoms.
- In some cases, the provider may need to adjust the treatment plan to minimize GI side effects while still effectively managing the underlying condition being treated with Xolair.