It’s normal to have concerns about starting a new treatment and what you can expect. Keep in mind that there are a lot of important factors to understand and consider when choosing a treatment. And every treatment has potential benefits and risks for you.

Talk openly with your doctor to get rid of unwanted stress or anxiety with starting a new therapy. To get a FREE Doctor Discussion Guide, click here. It may even be helpful to become familiar with the procedure for taking XOLAIR and how it can affect your symptoms.

For more information on getting started, see below.

How XOLAIR is given

XOLAIR is given by subcutaneous injection, which means an injection just under the skin. This is performed by a doctor or nurse in a doctor's office, clinic, hospital, or similar setting. You will receive XOLAIR once every 2 or 4 weeks.

How your dosage is determined

Your dose will be determined by your body weight and your IgE level, which your doctor will measure with a simple skin or blood test.

Based on your dose, your doctor will also tell you if you will need 1, 2, or 3 injections per dose every 2 or 4 weeks. If you need more than 1 injection, each injection will be given in a different place on your body.

How XOLAIR takes effect

It takes time for XOLAIR to work, so if you don’t see an improvement in your asthma symptoms right away, don’t get discouraged. It doesn’t mean that XOLAIR is not working.

It is important to continue your XOLAIR injections until your doctor tells you to do otherwise. While being treated with XOLAIR, do not decrease the dose of, or stop taking, any other asthma medications unless instructed by your doctor.

Everyone responds to medication differently. No one, not even your doctor, knows exactly how XOLAIR will affect your asthma symptoms or your need for other asthma treatments.

But remember, in clinical studies involving people who still had asthma symptoms while they were taking inhaled steroids, XOLAIR helped reduce the number of asthma attacks they experienced.

You're ready for XOLAIR. Now what?

If you and your doctor think XOLAIR is the right treatment for you, here’s what happens next:

  • Your doctor will order tests to determine your IgE level and allergic triggers
  • Based on these test results, your doctor will decide whether XOLAIR is right for you
  • He or she will submit a statement of medical necessity (SMN) to a Specialty Pharmacy for XOLAIR (a Specialty Pharmacy is a type of pharmacy that handles medicines like XOLAIR) or XOLAIR Access Solutions™ (coverage and reimbursement support and patient assistance services). Please be sure to sign all appropriate forms
  • The Specialty Pharmacy or XOLAIR Access Solutions will let you know if your insurance will cover XOLAIR—most insurance companies cover XOLAIR but will need prior authorization based on your health history and specific insurance plan
  • The Specialty Pharmacy will contact you to verify your information—it’s important to always return phone calls regarding XOLAIR treatment to make sure your insurance company and Specialty Pharmacy have all the information they need
  • If you need additional information about medical coverage for XOLAIR, please speak with your doctor
  • You must authorize the shipment of XOLAIR to your doctor’s office and pay any co-payment prior to delivery
  • Contact your doctor’s office and start your treatment with XOLAIR!

Below is a list of specialty pharmacies that handle XOLAIR. They can help you get the proper supply of XOLAIR, along with everything needed for injection.

As you're getting ready for treatment with XOLAIR, it's important to know that it can take some time for the insurance process to go through before your first XOLAIR injection. So be patient, and don’t give up.