Xolair and Asthma

By felicha

1 min read

I have had asthma for 6 years now. I got diagnosed while pregnant and it has never really been under control and has required lots of steroids. This January I started the shot Xolair. I have received 4 shots and I am just realizing the dizziness and back aches are the side effects of the Xolair. Does anyone else take Xolair for their asthma? What side effects have you had and how long did they last? I was so bad I would wake up in the middle of the night to use my nebulizer machine.

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Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi Felicha and thanks for sharing your experiences with asthma and the medication, Xolair. While you may receive replies from our asthma community, I thought you might find it helpful to look over these two articles on Xolair. First, this one, specifically about the medication: <a href='https://asthma.net/treatment/xolair' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/treatment/xolair/</a> And then, this one which is an overview of asthma medications: <a href='https://asthma.net/treatment/medications' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/treatment/medications/</a> We're glad to have you as part of our online community and look forward to your continued participation. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
1. windlessinthewindycity Member
 Hi - I was on Xolair for over a year. The first few months, I experienced some unpleasant side effects. Right after getting the infusions, I would feel very woozy/foggy brain and would mistakenly say the wrong words. It took about 3-4 months before the side effects went away. Unfortunately, Xolair did not do the trick. My doctor has switched me to Nucala. The side effects are not as harsh, but seem to last longer (the brain cloudiness feels ever present, but not as bad). We'll see how it goes. Switching insurance right now and hoping the new one decides to authorize the Nucala.
janetg Member
Hi Felicha, I had my first shot of Xolair 3 weeks ago. I didn't feel dizzy or get backaches, but I did feel flu-ee for a few days. If you read the entire Xolair booklet, the potential side effects are pretty scary. I don't know if the Xolair is helping my asthma yet, but there are other drugs that sre similar.. I would call my doctor and tell her the problems you've been having. It seems to me that one of the goals of Xolair is not having to us a nebulizer! Good luck. It sounds scary. Janet
skullboss08 Member
It's so bizarre how different people can have completely different side effects to Medications. I took Xolair for 14. Took bout 6 weeks to notice any differences. But when I did. It was the answers to my prayers. I'm pretty well allergic to everything under the sun. And because of my sensitivity my asthma is triggered constantly. So I was really praying Xolair would make life little more tolerable and not so miserable. Once it was in my system. No side effects. And I went from a 202 puff inhaler of Ventolin lasting maybe 3 days. And doing 12-15 DuoNeds.a day. To an inhaler lasting almost 2 months. And it was 8 months for my nebulizer. I was back on the field's with my teenage boys sports. Hiking on weekends. Riding bike and instigating races with my teenagers with no problems or regrets.. It was like I had my life back... Xolair literally was my perfect drug. Untill my SSI kicked in. And my primary was through then. And they chose not to continue my treatments. Been a 5 year battle with them. And even after I have flat lined 6 times. Been intubated. And shocked with the paddles. Thank you Lord for working.. But ins still don't think I qualify.. LOL... I'm beyond excited I found this site. Look forward to learning more to help myself. But look forward to seeing people's updates of wonderful news... Jessica
1. skullboss08 Member
 Sorry.. *14 months
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Jessica - it sounds like you've had quite the challenge to take care of yourself under these circumstances. And it's gratifying to hear that you're still at it. Don't give up the fight - keep up the good work! Thanks so much as well, for your kind words. Besides Facebook, you may want to register on our website too: <a href='https://asthma.net/register' target='_blank'>https://asthma.net/register</a> We're glad to have you as part of our online community and will look forward to your continued participation. All the best, Leon (site moderator)
felicha Member
Seems the side affects are no more and the shot seems to be working. I have not touched my rescue inhaler, my nebulizer or been on any prednisone since early February and even my sinuses are clearer than they shoukd be this time of year. So thankful
winningthewarwithasthma Member
Yes! I have been on xolair shots for 8 mos every two weeks I have gained 18 lbs have joint pain am tired a lot New doctor put me on different meds and I felt better and increased the time between shots which worked very well until 6 weeks later when it all came crashing down Now have to get over a second bout of bronchitis til I go back on xolair ... have had severe asthma and bronchitis since age 3yrs and now 71yrs of age
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi winningthewarwithasthma and thanks for sharing your recent experiences with your condition and treatment. It's certainly a challenge living with asthma and, in your case, also bronchitis. Your name says it all - keep up the good work! All the best, Leon (site moderator)