Xolair (omalizumab) long term use: What if you have to stop?

Posted by karenpacochca @karenpacochca, Jul 1 9:25am

Long term use of Xolair for moderate to severe asthma. Has anyone been able to stop Xolair and not get the "asthmatic episodes"?

I am asking because Xolair is very expensive, if not covered by insurance. There maybe a time when I need to switch insurance coverage and am worried that it won't be covered. Shots can cost up to $2K - and this would be a monthly recurring cost.... So I would be spending anywhere up to $24K out of pocket per year.

I live in a city that triggers my allergy induced asthma.... I grew up on the east coast and only had allergies - very mild and every winter bronchitis... But in Austin, TX, it is all year round with much more severe reactions....

Has anyone moved to a different location and their asthmatic reactions were reduced?

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jwool89 | @jwool89 | Jul 4 1:27am

My daughter is on Xolair and I am on Fasenra. Have you tried their copay assistance program? We both pay next to nothing. We couldn’t be on them otherwise. We have a genetic lung disease and these biologics are saving our lungs. I am a huge fan.

karenpacochca | @karenpacochca | Jul 4 12:29pm

Hi! Insurance will pay for specific biologic asthmatic drugs per the IGE blood test. Mine - based on my insurance plan, will only cover Xolair per IGE results. I am covered now -- but if I lose my insurance and or move companies and or retire in the near future...... it will be a problem.

FYI,, I am also using the Xolair co-pay assist program, which makes my insurance payment $5. The co-pay assist program only assists if your insurance company covers Xolair and there is some out of pocket after insurance.

I agree -- the Xolair has changed my life! This is why I am fearful of losing insurance...... I wish I didn't have to take Xolair AND allergy shots in order to feel "normal".

pht1123 | @pht1123 | Jul 11 9:29am

Hi,
I was on Xolair for about 15+ years - it worked great. I started when it first came out and there were no other biologics. However, after such a long time, it stopped working. I was switched to Tespire - to which I got much worse with numerous side effects. Unfortunately, after being hospitalized with asthma, we searched for another biologic which I am doing well with - I am currently on Dupixent every other week. Thankfully, there is not cost and insurance is covering it. I have improved from Tespire. I am a steroid dependent asthmatic, so this is helping, along with other meds for asthma. Good luck. Pam

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