One of the best things you can do for your treatment is to learn how to talk with your doctor. Speak your mind and take a more active role in your treatment. In turn, your doctor can give you a better diagnosis and treatment recommendation if you are open and tell him or her exactly how you are feeling.

A few tips to get you started

Set expectations—XOLAIR is a treatment unlike any other. So be sure to ask your doctor what you can expect with XOLAIR. You may even want to write down some treatment goals and ask your doctor if you will be able to reach them.

Be honest—don’t just tell your doctor what he or she wants to hear. Instead, tell them everything that relates to your condition and how it’s impacted your life. Your treatment and your relationship with your doctor will be much more productive.

Ask about your IgE level—if you haven’t been tested for IgE, take the time to ask your doctor for a simple screening. It will help determine the type and the amount of medication needed for your treatment. And if you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation. Your doctor will appreciate it. And so will you.

Ask about XOLAIR—if you are taking inhaled steroids, yet continue to have asthma attacks and symptoms, XOLAIR could be just the relief you are looking for.

Already taking XOLAIR? A few things to remember:

Keep track of changes—write down anything different about your asthma symptoms. Regularly watch your IgE level. And if your doctor advises it, use a peak flow meter to track any changes in your asthma that may occur as a result of treatment.

Play catch-up—tell your doctor about everything that has happened since your last XOLAIR treatment. Share the list you created with changes in your symptoms. And don’t forget to mention if you missed an appointment. These are all important in keeping a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Ready. Set. Ask.

To make sure you get the most out of your doctor visits, it may help to gather your questions before your appointment. To get started, download your free, personalized Doctor Discussion Guide at AsthmaMatters.com. Go now

WHO IS XOLAIR FOR?
XOLAIR^® (Omalizumab) For Subcutaneous Use is a prescription medicine given by injection for people who are 12 years of age and above who have moderate to severe persistent asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air. A simple skin or blood test will confirm that you have this kind of asthma. This is known as allergic asthma. XOLAIR helps reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma who still have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids. XOLAIR has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.

Important Safety Information

XOLAIR should always be injected in a doctor's office. You should read the Medication Guide before starting XOLAIR treatment and before each and every treatment.

A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has happened in some patients after they received XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• 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

You should not receive XOLAIR if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a XOLAIR injection. Do not use XOLAIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

In clinical studies 0.5% of patients receiving XOLAIR developed cancer, compared to 0.2% of patients receiving placebo injections.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects in patients receiving XOLAIR included injection-site reactions (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and sore throat (11%).

Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. You may not see an immediate improvement in your asthma when beginning XOLAIR therapy.

Talk to your doctor for more information and if you have any questions about your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide for additional important information.