II. Indications (all required)
- See Severe Asthma
- Refractory moderate to Severe Persistent Asthma
- Positive Allergy Testing for perennial inhaled allergen
- Patients must be age 6 years or older
III. Mechanism
- Recombinant humanized Monoclonal Antibody (rhu-MAB)
- Blocks IgE binding to Mast Cells and Basophils
- Prevents release of Allergic Reaction mediators
IV. Adverse Effects
- Serious and life-threatening
- May predispose to malignancy
- Anaphylaxis
- Requires administration in clinical setting
- Reaction may occur within 2 hours of injection
- Other reactions
- Injection site reaction
- Upper Respiratory Infections (including Sinusitis, Pharyngitis)
- Headache
- Alopecia
- Musculoskeletal (Arthralgias, myalgias, limb pain)
V. Efficacy
- Reduces Asthma Exacerbations, hospitalizations and Inhaled Corticosteroid dosing in Allergic Asthma
VI. Cost
- Dose dependent
- Varies from $500 to over $3000 for one month supply
VII. Dosing
- Dose determined by serum IgE level
- Usually 150 to 375 mg SQ every 2-4 weeks
- Must be given in clinical setting with observation