Side effects of the asthma injection Xolair may increase the risk of serious problems impacting blood vessels in the heart and brain, potentially increasing the risk of heart attacks, pulmonary embolism and other serious problems.
XOLAIR LAWSUIT STATUS: Following FDA warnings issued in September 2014, product liability lawyers are reviewing the potential for Xolair lawsuits on behalf of former users of the asthma drug who have suffered a:
- Heart Attack
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Chest Pain
Learn More About
Xolair Lawsuits
Side effects of Xolair may increase the risk of Heart Attacks and other serious problems.
MANUFACTURER: Genentech
OVERVIEW: Xolair (omalizumab) is an asthma injection approved for use among adults and children over the age of 12 who suffer from moderate to severe persistent asthma caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and grasses.
It is meant for those whose asthma cannot be controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. The medication was approved for use by FDA in 2003 and generated sales of $517 million in 2008.
Although it has been linked to reports of heart attacks and other problems involving blood vessels of the heart and brain, lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings for users of Xolair and the medical community.
XOLAIR SIDE EFFECTS: In September 2014, the FDA announced that new Xolair warnings will be added about heart problems, as well as a potential increased risk of cancer.
The safety statement was issued after a review of data from a five-year study known as EXCELS or Evaluating the Clinical Effectiveness and Long-Term Safety in Patients with Moderate to Severe Asthma, which involved 5,000 asthma patients treated with Xolair compared to 2,500 patients in a control group.
Concerns about the potential side effects of Xolair first surfaced in 2009, after the FDA issued an early communication following the release of preliminary data from this study, indicating that users of the asthma injection had a disproportionate number of reports involving ischemic heart disease, heart arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension, cerebrovascular disorders, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Following a review of final data from this study, federal drug regulators determined in 2014 that the prior warnings provided for consumers and the medical community were inadequate.
New information was added to the Adverse Reactions section of the drug label about the risk of Xolair heart problems and issues with blood vessels supplying the brain. In addition, since the long-term study could not rule out concerns raised in prior clinical trials about a link between Xolair and cancer, information is being added to the Warnings and Precautions section of the drug label about higher rates of various cancers among users.
XOLAIR LAWYERS REVIEWING CASES: In response to the recent FDA warnings and information that suggests Genentech knew or should have known about these Xolair problems for some time, the potential for product liability lawsuits are being evaluated for former users of the asthma medication.
15 Comments
AprilMay 21, 2021 at 12:50 am
I started xolair in September 2020 because I suffered with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria which started when I was in the military. I was given injections every 4 weeks. While taking the medication I started having bad muscle cramps and hair lost in which I reported both to my health care provider because before the injections I wasn't having any problems. So my doctor told me that she didn't belie[Show More]I started xolair in September 2020 because I suffered with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria which started when I was in the military. I was given injections every 4 weeks. While taking the medication I started having bad muscle cramps and hair lost in which I reported both to my health care provider because before the injections I wasn't having any problems. So my doctor told me that she didn't believe it was the injections in which she completely downplayed how I felt after taking the injection. She told me that I need to continue the shots if I didn't want to have anymore outbreaks. I was only on xolair for 9 months in which during that time I found out that I had 2 lumps in my breast. I have never had a abnormal mammogram until now. So those lumps turn out to be breast cancer (which is one of the major side effects of xolair). Now, I have had to a bilateral mastectomy. So if anyone is out there currently on xolair PLEASE be careful! My doctor NEVER told me about any major side effects nor about any warnings because had I knew this information I DEFINITLY would not have taken those injections. After my pathology report I started to research the last things I had changed in my life which was those injections. I just researched and found all the side effects and major warning about this drug. I feel this medication should NEVER be given especially to women!
SallyFebruary 25, 2020 at 9:43 pm
I have been off xolair for seven months. I have intense leg pain. Which includes, restless leg syndrome at night and spasms. Right now, I am laying on my bed and my left leg feels like it will break if I bend it. My joints ache and I have tendonitis in both of my feet. Is this going to go away? I am not eighty years old but, I feel like it. I wish I never took xolair. I am afraid I will ne[Show More]I have been off xolair for seven months. I have intense leg pain. Which includes, restless leg syndrome at night and spasms. Right now, I am laying on my bed and my left leg feels like it will break if I bend it. My joints ache and I have tendonitis in both of my feet. Is this going to go away? I am not eighty years old but, I feel like it. I wish I never took xolair. I am afraid I will never be normal again. Why didn't they tell me about this?
LafondraJuly 14, 2019 at 9:06 pm
I started the injections in April 2018, I was receiving two injections. One in each arm every two weeks but after about six months my asthma didn't seem to be as controlled anymore. My pulmonologist said to continue the injections and I did but in January I noticed red veins in my legs looking inflamed I went to the pulmonologist and he said it was not the injections. But I stopped taking them. Th[Show More]I started the injections in April 2018, I was receiving two injections. One in each arm every two weeks but after about six months my asthma didn't seem to be as controlled anymore. My pulmonologist said to continue the injections and I did but in January I noticed red veins in my legs looking inflamed I went to the pulmonologist and he said it was not the injections. But I stopped taking them. Then the joint pain began and the swelling, I am in constant pain and I am praying for my relief.
LindaNovember 8, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Will stopping Xolair stop the neck pain?
SUSANOctober 17, 2017 at 5:59 pm
I am 44 years old and recently lost my left leg below the knee. I had 2 blood clots in my aorta. I was in the hospital for 41 days and had 5 surgeries. Every doctor that I have been to and all test that I have had done show no reason as to why this could have happened. I have been taking Xolair since it was first FDA approved and since this happened I found all of this horrible stuff on the in[Show More]I am 44 years old and recently lost my left leg below the knee. I had 2 blood clots in my aorta. I was in the hospital for 41 days and had 5 surgeries. Every doctor that I have been to and all test that I have had done show no reason as to why this could have happened. I have been taking Xolair since it was first FDA approved and since this happened I found all of this horrible stuff on the internet about possible link between Xolair and all of these health issue. My dr's feel as if the shot could have very well caused my problem. I have not taken the shot since the month before I was admitted to the hospital and have been told by 3 doctors NOT to take it ever again.
JonaAugust 1, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Wish I never took zolair.. received 2 shots for 2 months..basically got a whole months supply of the drug per each visit..had no clue was on black list and that my dr took part in trails..was disclosed to me..each shot got very sleepy..had no clue at time i was having auroras. After 2nd visit within days had allergic reaction, speech problems, blacked out and lost use of leg for short period of ti[Show More]Wish I never took zolair.. received 2 shots for 2 months..basically got a whole months supply of the drug per each visit..had no clue was on black list and that my dr took part in trails..was disclosed to me..each shot got very sleepy..had no clue at time i was having auroras. After 2nd visit within days had allergic reaction, speech problems, blacked out and lost use of leg for short period of time...doctors dont know if I had a stroke at that time..since then experience and continue to experience short term memory loss, poor concentration, seizures, pain in neck and back of skull, feeling of being under water like i am floating..times that speech and mobility is hard or nonexistent..I feel at times can't connect dots when trying to communicate..hard to concentrate and multitask..tired very easily ..taking all my concentration to type this ..unable to drive due to concentration issues and seizures..have panic attacks and experience depression due to this has totally changed my life.. please don't stop investigating this drug..41 yr old female..oh also I am now experiencing heart problems... Thanks
SusanJanuary 18, 2016 at 9:17 pm
My daughter Catherine (age 17), had an extreme case of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (lasted over a year). We saw specialist at Nemours Children's hospital (Orlando, FL) and they recommend Xolair injections as a course of treatment. She has had 6 months of infusions. Although her hives are under control with the help of this medication, the side effects are a bit alarming. Each time she has t[Show More]My daughter Catherine (age 17), had an extreme case of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (lasted over a year). We saw specialist at Nemours Children's hospital (Orlando, FL) and they recommend Xolair injections as a course of treatment. She has had 6 months of infusions. Although her hives are under control with the help of this medication, the side effects are a bit alarming. Each time she has the shots done, she becomes very confused, dizzy and lethargic. She has trouble remembering things and seems as though she's intoxicated (stumbling around). To the point where she is vomiting and unable to function normally. She has to stop life and just keep her eyes closed and rest. This lasts for 4 to 5 days. After the side effects wear off, she has told me she has shocks in her head (Brain). Painful bolts of pain that rise up from her neck into her skull. They can last for several seconds to a minute and happen at random times. Catherine has also told me that she feels she is unable to retain information like she would prior to the infusions. She studies and restudies her school work, yet she seems to forget most of everything she reads. She is an extremely intelligent girl, so this is very frustrating for her. She told me she feels like she has Alzheimers. I informed her doctor each time she had the injections of these side effects and he would tell me that Xolair did not cause these types of reactions. In December (2015), after another monthly infusion of Xolair, my daughter had the same horrible reactions. This time I decided to research the drug online, only to find out that the FDA recently issued a Black Label warning on the drug. It read that one of the dangerous side effects could cause tightening of blood vessels to the brain, resulting in Mini Strokes. I informed her doctor about my findings and he was shocked. He said he had not heard of these new studies. He said that we would stop using Xolair and that my daughters condition would improve as the medication weakened in her system. That I had nothing to worry about and that she would be fine. I asked if we should perform a CT scan to her brain. He suggested not to do so. He said her memory would improve and these studies of Xoliar that showed negative results were done on 40+ year old patients, who smoked and were over weight. And that the findings were so small that it really did not pertain to my 17 year old daughters condition. Basically, that she would be fine. So, I'm not sure what to do. She seems to be feeling better. But its been 4 weeks from her last infusion. She still has painful shocks to her brain and has some retention issues.
deannaOctober 10, 2015 at 3:08 am
I took xolair from about 2006 - 2010 I had minimum side effects during the time. i stopped taking the xolair because of concerns about all the literature that was floating about long term effects now here i am 5 years later and I'm starting to have a very curious symptoms recently blood test have shown that there's a decrease functions and my kidneys along with mild hypothriodism .in2007 I was dia[Show More]I took xolair from about 2006 - 2010 I had minimum side effects during the time. i stopped taking the xolair because of concerns about all the literature that was floating about long term effects now here i am 5 years later and I'm starting to have a very curious symptoms recently blood test have shown that there's a decrease functions and my kidneys along with mild hypothriodism .in2007 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia with has wide range limb joint and muscle pain I'm wondering if anyone else who took the zolair in the past I have a many of these type of symptoms. I forgot in addition I'm having memory challenges now. I'm 52 years old educated and had a very good career and now on disability I am wondering if there's a correlation to all of this and this medications pass usage so has anyone experienced anything similar going on can you write thank you
JebFebruary 16, 2015 at 9:39 pm
I developed horrible PVC's while taking xolair (took the medication for about 4 years). I never had one PVC in my life before xolair. I didn't know it was xolair that gave me the PVC's until it was too late. Stopped the medications a couple of years ago but I'm stuck with the PVC's. I wish I never heard of xolair.
BritneyJanuary 2, 2015 at 9:48 pm
I took xolair in November of 2013 and shortly after in 6 months time it has given me pneumonia twice a heart condtion and seizures, please don't stop investigating, they my Dr wants me back on them
MelissaNovember 11, 2014 at 3:44 am
My 18 yr old had been taking this drug upward 2yrs outside outside of asthma he was healthy. May 12,2014 my son developed DVT in both legs according to the corners report which traveled to his lungs and as a result he died from bilateral pulmonary embolisms without warning he was found around 9am in a stairwell across the street from his school deceased.
PrenticeOctober 1, 2014 at 1:22 am
In 2009, 5 months after taking Xolair on a once a month injection, I suffered a stroke at age 52. There was no prior family history. I was in ICU for 8 days. I have since learned to walk and to read again. My speech has become normal again and the seizures have stopped. In 2011 I had a TIA with no lasting effects. My cardiologist now has me on Xeralto and my nuerologic functions have improved. I [Show More]In 2009, 5 months after taking Xolair on a once a month injection, I suffered a stroke at age 52. There was no prior family history. I was in ICU for 8 days. I have since learned to walk and to read again. My speech has become normal again and the seizures have stopped. In 2011 I had a TIA with no lasting effects. My cardiologist now has me on Xeralto and my nuerologic functions have improved. I am still on Xolair once a month and it has been a real benefit by diminishing my asthma to almost nothing. Was Xolair the cause of my stroke/TIA? How could it be proven? I have a long history of heart issues including V. tach, atrial fib., and other issues. I am still sold on the effectiveness of Xolair for me.
kimberlyFebruary 14, 2013 at 4:24 am
Please dont stop investigating xolair. I am a long term patient 10yrs. I have many side effects. To current i am having kidney pain 3 days after day i receive injections. I have wrote few other times now. Yes.my asthma seems better along with prednisone. But i still feel lied to by my dr. I feel that patient info. Has been with held. I wanted a choice my asthma being treated by long term stroids o[Show More]Please dont stop investigating xolair. I am a long term patient 10yrs. I have many side effects. To current i am having kidney pain 3 days after day i receive injections. I have wrote few other times now. Yes.my asthma seems better along with prednisone. But i still feel lied to by my dr. I feel that patient info. Has been with held. I wanted a choice my asthma being treated by long term stroids or long term effects of my body. Ty
BonitaJune 25, 2012 at 3:22 pm
I have taken w=2 shots per month for a year. I started having quadrucep pain about 7 months into therapy. About 9 months into therapy I started having terrible left hip pain and now I can hardly walk. I limp and sometimes the hip gives out and I fall or stumble. My doctor stopped the shots.
EstherSeptember 5, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I have been on Xolair shots every two weeks since I was in the trials for it. I have steroid dependent asthma, COPD since my lungs were damaged by chemicals at work but it was unprovable as they did it illegally. Last year I developed borderline pulmonary hypertension(score of 42), diastolic dysfunction (heart), and my heart keeps throwing early beats and racing. It got me off the high doses of pr[Show More]I have been on Xolair shots every two weeks since I was in the trials for it. I have steroid dependent asthma, COPD since my lungs were damaged by chemicals at work but it was unprovable as they did it illegally. Last year I developed borderline pulmonary hypertension(score of 42), diastolic dysfunction (heart), and my heart keeps throwing early beats and racing. It got me off the high doses of prednisone, so I don't have to take oral pred anymore, but I did not know it could do all that to me. I am homebound and an infusion RN comes to my home to give me my shots. I will watch this site for more info.