Name of the Procedure:

Injection, omalizumab, 5 mg (J2357)

Summary

Omalizumab is a medication administered via injection, primarily used to treat certain types of allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). The procedure involves injecting a small dose of the medication (5 mg) into the patient's body to manage and alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions.

Purpose

Omalizumab is designed to help control severe, persistent allergic asthma and chronic hives that do not respond well to other treatments. The primary goals are to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma exacerbations and to minimize the occurrence and intensity of hives.

Indications

• Severe allergic asthma not controlled by standard treatments.
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria for patients who do not respond to antihistamines.
• Patients must have a documented allergy with elevated levels of IgE (immunoglobulin E).

Preparation

• No fasting is required.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Allergy testing and blood tests to measure IgE levels may be performed prior to the first injection.
• Confirm any existing conditions and discuss any history of allergic reactions with your doctor.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated in a comfortable position.
2. The injection site (usually the upper arm or thigh) is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
3. Using a syringe, a healthcare professional injects 5 mg of omalizumab subcutaneously (under the skin).
4. The patient is monitored for a brief period afterward to ensure no immediate adverse reactions.
5. The procedure may need to be repeated every 2-4 weeks, depending on the patient's response and condition.

Duration

The injection process typically takes around 15-30 minutes, including preparation and post-injection monitoring.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized medical office.

Personnel

• Nurse or trained medical technician administers the injection.
• Doctor or specialist available to manage any adverse reactions or complications.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Pain or discomfort at the injection site.
• Mild to moderate allergic reactions (rash, itching).

Rare Risks:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
• Increased risk of infections.

Possible Complications:

• Management of allergic reactions with antihistamines or epinephrine.
• Monitor for infection signs at the injection site and treat accordingly.

Benefits

• Reduction in asthma attacks and improved asthma control.
• Decrease in the frequency and severity of hives.
• Benefits may be noticed within a few weeks, with continued improvements over a few months.

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the injection.
• Observations for any delayed allergic reactions.
• Regular follow-up appointments for subsequent injections and progress monitoring.

Alternatives

• Other medications such as high-dose inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.
• Oral antihistamines and other biologics for chronic hives.
• Pros of alternatives: Different mode of administration, may be less frequent dosing.
• Cons of alternatives: May not be as effective for some patients, different side effect profiles.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort or stinging sensation during the injection.
• Close monitoring during and after the procedure to manage any immediate side effects.
• Post-injection, patients may experience mild irritation at the site which usually subsides within a short period.
• Pain management generally involves over-the-counter analgesics if needed.