Ever since its approval in 2003, Xolair has been one of the most popular treatment choices for asthma patients in the United States. It is currently the only injection asthma treatment available, and is only prescribed to patients who suffer from allergic asthma.

Xolair works by neutralizing the antibodies that set off allergic reactions. Over the years, Xolair (Omalizumab) has helped thousands of asthma patients who could not use traditional inhalers due to still suffering allergic reactions despite using inhalers. It can be prescribed to adolescent and adult patients.

Xolair asthma patients have reported suffering severe allergic reactions from the medication dating back to 2007. A severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis was documented in a number of injury reports, causing medical experts to question if the drug should remain on the market.

Medical experts really started analyzing Xolair safety in May after the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) issued a report that Xolair had caused more cases of anaphylaxis than hypersensitivity reactions.

However, Xolair side effect lawyers are focused on cardiac complications the medication reportedly causes. Xolair’s manufacturer, Genentech, later added the side effect to the drug’s label. The Xolair label was officially updated in September to indicate that it may slightly increase the risk of heart attacks, mini-strokes, and blood clots forming in the lungs and veins. The side effects plaintiffs have cited in lawsuits include:

• Heart attack
• Mini-strokes
• Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• Sudden, unexpected chest pain
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs)
• Pulmonary embolism (lung blood clots)
• Venous thrombosis (vein blood clots)

Overview of Xolair Complications

Genentech issued the warning after conducting a five-year study required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA ordered this study in 2009, after receiving numerous injury reports indicating that Xolair was causing cardiac and cerebrovascular injuries. The study analyzed the side effects of Xolair and compared it to patients who took a placebo. While the study showed that Xolair did not increase the risk of cancer, it did show that the chances of cardiac events were slightly increased with Xolair use.

The FDA stated that while the Xolair study did suggest safety concerns, the agency was unable to conclusively determine whether the drug actually caused cardiac complications. Genentech contended that the study had been poorly executed.