Zerafil®
(Omalizumab)
What is it?
What is Zerafil®?
Zerafil® contains Omalizumab, a recombinant IgG monoclonal antibody which inhibits IgE binding to the high-affinity IgE receptor on mast cells and basophils. Zerafil® Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) is an injectable prescription medicine.
Indications
What is Zerafil® used for?
Zerafil® (Omalizumab) is used:
- For treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma in adults and patients 6 years and older whose symptoms are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids.
- For treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment.
- As an add-on maintenance treatment of nasal polyps in adults with inadequate response to nasal corticosteroids.
Contraindications
Who should not use Zerafil®?
Do not use Zerafil® if:
- You are allergic to Omalizumab or any of the ingredients in Zerafil®
Zerafil® is not indicated for acute bronchospasm or status asthmatics
Zerafil® is not indicated for other allergic conditions or other forms of urticaria.
Important information
What should I tell my health care provider before using Zerafil®?
Before using Zerafil®, tell your health care provider if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.
- Have kidney or liver problems
- Have a disorder where your own immune system attacks parts of your own body (autoimmune disease)
- Are travelling to region where infections caused by parasites are common - Xolair may weaken your resistance to such infections.
- Have had a previous severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), for example resulting from a medicine, an insect bite or food.
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to latex. The needle cap of the syringe may contain dry rubber (latex).
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and health problems.
How to Use?
How should I use Zerafil®?
- Before using this drug, take it out of the refrigerator. Allow to reach room temperature (15 to 30 minutes).
- Do not give into a mole, scar, or skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, hard, or broken.
- Inject at least 1 inch away from where the last dose was given. If your dose has more than 1 injection, give the injections into 2 different places at least 1 inch apart.
- Each prefilled syringe is for one use only.
Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Zerafil®?
The most common side effects of Zerafil® may include injection site reaction and headache.
Storage
- Zerafil® should be stored in a refrigerator between 2ºC to 8ºC.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Protect Zerafil® from heat.
- Store Zerafil® in the original container to protect from light.
- Do not freeze and do not use Zerafil® if it has been frozen.