Xolair shots for asthma
bpcookie posted:
Hello everyone, I saw my Pulmonologist today, for the first time and he listened to my lungs and did all the other things any other Dr. would do. He sat back and said "you have extensive asthma". Okay Dokay Dr. *shrug*. He spent about 15 mins with me, talking 50 mph, I almost had to give him a ticket for speeding. I asked him if he thought I should go for walks and try to strengthen my lungs, but he said "no,lungs dont work that way." Another *shrug*. His plan of action is to give me Xolair shots for asthma. I guess its pretty new treatment. A third *shrug*. So, is there anyone here who has had Xolair shots before? Any info. would be wonderful.
Thank you. I hope you all are well and breathing easy.
Thank you. I hope you all are well and breathing easy.
24 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaHello everyone, I saw my Pulmonologist today, for the first time and he listened to my lungs and did all the other things any other Dr. would do. He sat back and said "you have extensive asthma". Okay Dokay Dr. *shrug*. He spent about 15 mins with me, talking 50 mph, I almost had to give him a ticket for speeding. I asked him if he thought I should go for walks and try to strengthen my lungs, but he said "no,lungs dont work that way." Another *shrug*. His plan of action is to give me Xolair shots for asthma. I guess its pretty new treatment. A third *shrug*. So, is there anyone here who has had Xolair shots before? Any info. would be wonderful. <br /><br />Thank you. I hope you all are well and breathing easy. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
sgbl88 responded:
Hello.
Xolair is for allergic asthma as determined by an IgE level of at least 30. I haven't had any problems with them but some people have. It isn't doing much for me. My dr just got some test results (I had to drop them off at her office yesterday, but she is out of town) that might indicate that reflux is a HUGE issue for me. My IgE qualified, but was still pretty low at 84.
It is supposed to work great though. I just happen to be one that it doesn't really work for. Then again, may be it is doing more than we know and the reflux is just too bad and keeps the asthma flared any way. My dr doesn't want to take me off of the Xolair yet.
I hope that helps you some.
Xolair is for allergic asthma as determined by an IgE level of at least 30. I haven't had any problems with them but some people have. It isn't doing much for me. My dr just got some test results (I had to drop them off at her office yesterday, but she is out of town) that might indicate that reflux is a HUGE issue for me. My IgE qualified, but was still pretty low at 84.
It is supposed to work great though. I just happen to be one that it doesn't really work for. Then again, may be it is doing more than we know and the reflux is just too bad and keeps the asthma flared any way. My dr doesn't want to take me off of the Xolair yet.
I hope that helps you some.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peasce Isaiah 9:6
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaHello.<br /> <br />Xolair is for allergic asthma as determined by an IgE level of at least 30. I haven't had any problems with them but some people have. It isn't doing much for me. My dr just got some test results (I had to drop them off at her office yesterday, but she is out of town) that might indicate that reflux is a HUGE issue for me. My IgE qualified, but was still pretty low at 84. <br /> <br />It is supposed to work great though. I just happen to be one that it doesn't really work for. Then again, may be it is doing more than we know and the reflux is just too bad and keeps the asthma flared any way. My dr doesn't want to take me off of the Xolair yet.<br /> <br />I hope that helps you some.
Aqua14 responded:
Exercise is very good for folks with asthma, as long as your asthma is under control and you avoid known triggers and bad air quality. You *can* improve your lung function with exercise -- I'm living proof of that (my lung function is 115 - 120% of normal).
Maybe it was the way you worded the question -- "strengthen" isn't quite what you'd be doing, and you can't gain asthma control via exercise -- and that's why the doc responded the way he did. Just a guess.
Once your asthma gets better, walking would be a great way to segue back into regular exercise. And don't forget strength training for your bones (especially important for those of us who take steroids).
I haven't had Xolair but there are several here who have, so I'll let them respond on that.
Hope these few thoughts help. I hope that this pulmonologist is helpful to you in the long run, even if your first experience with him wasn't so great. Judy
Maybe it was the way you worded the question -- "strengthen" isn't quite what you'd be doing, and you can't gain asthma control via exercise -- and that's why the doc responded the way he did. Just a guess.
Once your asthma gets better, walking would be a great way to segue back into regular exercise. And don't forget strength training for your bones (especially important for those of us who take steroids).
I haven't had Xolair but there are several here who have, so I'll let them respond on that.
Hope these few thoughts help. I hope that this pulmonologist is helpful to you in the long run, even if your first experience with him wasn't so great. Judy
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaExercise is very good for folks with asthma, as long as your asthma is under control and you avoid known triggers and bad air quality. You *can* improve your lung function with exercise -- I'm living proof of that (my lung function is 115 - 120% of normal).<br /> <br />Maybe it was the way you worded the question -- "strengthen" isn't quite what you'd be doing, and you can't gain asthma control via exercise -- and that's why the doc responded the way he did. Just a guess.<br /> <br />Once your asthma gets better, walking would be a great way to segue back into regular exercise. And don't forget strength training for your bones (especially important for those of us who take steroids). <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />I haven't had Xolair but there are several here who have, so I'll let them respond on that.<br /> <br />Hope these few thoughts help. I hope that this pulmonologist is helpful to you in the long run, even if your first experience with him wasn't so great. Judy
My doctor wanted to put me on xolair, but my ige level wasn't at the proper place it should be, he told me that my insurance wouldn't cover it , because it is extremely expensive. But i did try allergie shots, that didn't work, but for some people the allergie shots do work. good luck
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaMy doctor wanted to put me on xolair, but my ige level wasn't at the proper place it should be, he told me that my insurance wouldn't cover it , because it is extremely expensive. But i did try allergie shots, that didn't work, but for some people the allergie shots do work. good luck
aaawwww sgb, you poor thing. I have acid reflux as well, but mine is pretty much kept under control. I do have some horrible allergies. I take Benadryl and a expectorant every 4 hours. Post nasal drip is horrible and I constantly have a runny nose. Put all of that together and it spells asthma probs. lol.
How long have you been getting the Xolair injections? I hope you can find some help real soon.
How long have you been getting the Xolair injections? I hope you can find some help real soon.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaaaawwww sgb, you poor thing. I have acid reflux as well, but mine is pretty much kept under control. I do have some horrible allergies. I take Benadryl and a expectorant every 4 hours. Post nasal drip is horrible and I constantly have a runny nose. Put all of that together and it spells asthma probs. lol.<br /><br />How long have you been getting the Xolair injections? I hope you can find some help real soon.
coughy16 responded:
Have you already tried other meds & your asthma is still uncontrolled? Otherwise I would think it unusual that he would jump right to xolair. Don't hesitate to ask him to slow down & explain things more clearly to you, he should be wllling to do that. Did he ask you lots of questions to determine what is going on with you or just do the physical exam? If you can't get the answers you want from him, I would look for a different doctor.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaHave you already tried other meds & your asthma is still uncontrolled? Otherwise I would think it unusual that he would jump right to xolair. Don't hesitate to ask him to slow down & explain things more clearly to you, he should be wllling to do that. Did he ask you lots of questions to determine what is going on with you or just do the physical exam? If you can't get the answers you want from him, I would look for a different doctor.
Judy, thanks so much for the information. I just knew the Dr. was wrong about exercise. I figured sitting around in bed had to be doing nothing good for my asthma. Of course I wont be doing any running, but I would very much like to take my dog for a walk. I used to take her every single day, but I havent been able to for a month. The last two days, my asthma has been doing so much better, so I may take her for a short walk tomorrow. Dont want to go too crazy and cause my lungs to get upset again.
When my daughter lived here, about 4 yrs ago, she would have her friends come over after school and we would all swim. We played Marco Polo. I believe that swimming with those kids and playing that game, really helped my asthma. At that time my asthma was well under control and I could hold my breath longer then any of those young kids. I would very much like to be like that again one day.
Thank you
When my daughter lived here, about 4 yrs ago, she would have her friends come over after school and we would all swim. We played Marco Polo. I believe that swimming with those kids and playing that game, really helped my asthma. At that time my asthma was well under control and I could hold my breath longer then any of those young kids. I would very much like to be like that again one day.
Thank you
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaJudy, thanks so much for the information. I just knew the Dr. was wrong about exercise. I figured sitting around in bed had to be doing nothing good for my asthma. Of course I wont be doing any running, but I would very much like to take my dog for a walk. I used to take her every single day, but I havent been able to for a month. The last two days, my asthma has been doing so much better, so I may take her for a short walk tomorrow. Dont want to go too crazy and cause my lungs to get upset again. <br /><br />When my daughter lived here, about 4 yrs ago, she would have her friends come over after school and we would all swim. We played Marco Polo. I believe that swimming with those kids and playing that game, really helped my asthma. At that time my asthma was well under control and I could hold my breath longer then any of those young kids. I would very much like to be like that again one day. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /><br />Thank you
Cwille, so sorry you couldnt try the shots. Its a shame that we cant get the meds that we need just because of the cost. A crying shame. I may see an allergist as well. I have such terrible allergies, Im willing to try anything. Cant hurt to throw in a few more specialists on top of all the others I already have. lol, I see already see 5 specialists for other health issues, whats one more?
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaCwille, so sorry you couldnt try the shots. Its a shame that we cant get the meds that we need just because of the cost. A crying shame. I may see an allergist as well. I have such terrible allergies, Im willing to try anything. Cant hurt to throw in a few more specialists on top of all the others I already have. lol, I see already see 5 specialists for other health issues, whats one more? <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0">
Hello again.
I just wanted to tell that you insurance companies will not pay for Xolair if you have not already tried shots and a variety of allergy meds. So, find yourself an allergist that does skin prick testing. You are at least six months to a year out from starting Xolair.
You might want to try Zyrtec instead of benadryl. It is much more effective. You may also need to try an prescription one. Nasal sprays (steroid and/or antihistamine) help my allergies a lot, unless it is winter and cedar pollen is high. Then my nose doesn't care what I do. It will run any way.
Take care and keep us posted.
Sonya
I just wanted to tell that you insurance companies will not pay for Xolair if you have not already tried shots and a variety of allergy meds. So, find yourself an allergist that does skin prick testing. You are at least six months to a year out from starting Xolair.
You might want to try Zyrtec instead of benadryl. It is much more effective. You may also need to try an prescription one. Nasal sprays (steroid and/or antihistamine) help my allergies a lot, unless it is winter and cedar pollen is high. Then my nose doesn't care what I do. It will run any way.
Take care and keep us posted.
Sonya
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peasce Isaiah 9:6
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaHello again.<br /> <br />I just wanted to tell that you insurance companies will not pay for Xolair if you have not already tried shots and a variety of allergy meds. So, find yourself an allergist that does skin prick testing. You are at least six months to a year out from starting Xolair.<br /> <br />You might want to try Zyrtec instead of benadryl. It is much more effective. You may also need to try an prescription one. Nasal sprays (steroid and/or antihistamine) help my allergies a lot, unless it is winter and cedar pollen is high. Then my nose doesn't care what I do. It will run any way.<br /> <br />Take care and keep us posted.<br /> <br />Sonya
Hi, I am just curious. What was your IgE level? If it below 30 your allergies are not considered a significant contributer to your asthma so the Xolair won't work for you.
I suggest that you discus ways to better evaluate the acid reflux trigger with your doctors to see how much that could be affecting your asthma. Just a thought, but it is an often missed trigger.
Take care and God bless.
Sonya
I suggest that you discus ways to better evaluate the acid reflux trigger with your doctors to see how much that could be affecting your asthma. Just a thought, but it is an often missed trigger.
Take care and God bless.
Sonya
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peasce Isaiah 9:6
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaHi, I am just curious. What was your IgE level? If it below 30 your allergies are not considered a significant contributer to your asthma so the Xolair won't work for you.<br /> <br />I suggest that you discus ways to better evaluate the acid reflux trigger with your doctors to see how much that could be affecting your asthma. Just a thought, but it is an often missed trigger.<br /> <br />Take care and God bless.<br />Sonya
Oh, I have been on Xolair for a year. My first shot was last February.
Sonya
Sonya
For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peasce Isaiah 9:6
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaOh, I have been on Xolair for a year. My first shot was last February.<br />Sonya
my ige level was 19, the strange thing was that i was on immunotherapy shots, i did the allergy test and found out that i was allergic to cats, dust mites, and mold. Go figure, never had those problems before. Oh well, i started the allergy shots for about 1 month when i had a reaction to the shots, needless to say i am no longer getting the shots. I do take omeprazole for the acid reflux, i also have a hiatial hernia. So i figure with all that , something is causing the asthma. Anyway i just leave it in gods hands and deal with it. thanks.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmamy ige level was 19, the strange thing was that i was on immunotherapy shots, i did the allergy test and found out that i was allergic to cats, dust mites, and mold. Go figure, never had those problems before. Oh well, i started the allergy shots for about 1 month when i had a reaction to the shots, needless to say i am no longer getting the shots. I do take omeprazole for the acid reflux, i also have a hiatial hernia. So i figure with all that , something is causing the asthma. Anyway i just leave it in gods hands and deal with it. thanks.
Thanks Sonya. Is Zyrtec a prescribed med? or OTC? I am taking Singular right now and a nose spray. Nothing seems to help. I have talked to all my Dr.s about the post nasal drip and I have told them that it is half of my problem. I think if they could stop that, then my asthma wouldnt be as bad. But all the Dr.s that I have seen act like there isnt anything else they can put me on. Its really really frustrating.
Im supposed to see the Pulmonologist again in one month. But Im still having problems with asthma. I dont know what Im supposed to do for an entire month. I guess just suffer.
This is really starting to depress me again.
Im supposed to see the Pulmonologist again in one month. But Im still having problems with asthma. I dont know what Im supposed to do for an entire month. I guess just suffer.
This is really starting to depress me again.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaThanks Sonya. Is Zyrtec a prescribed med? or OTC? I am taking Singular right now and a nose spray. Nothing seems to help. I have talked to all my Dr.s about the post nasal drip and I have told them that it is half of my problem. I think if they could stop that, then my asthma wouldnt be as bad. But all the Dr.s that I have seen act like there isnt anything else they can put me on. Its really really frustrating.<br /><br />Im supposed to see the Pulmonologist again in one month. But Im still having problems with asthma. I dont know what Im supposed to do for an entire month. I guess just suffer. <br /><br />This is really starting to depress me again.
Im on Omeprazole also for acid reflux and I also have a hiatial hernia.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaIm on Omeprazole also for acid reflux and I also have a hiatial hernia.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is OTC and generic. You can find it in bulk at WalMart for relatively cheap. If the usual dose (10 mg) doesn't work, you could take 2 pills. And the longer term you take Zyrtec, the better it works. I tried a whole lot of different antihistamines before trying Zyrtec, and Zyrtec was the best by far of any of them.
Also, there's a wonderful nasal spray which has the only effect of drying up a runny nose -- it's called Atrovent (ipratropium bromide). It doesn't have the rebound effect that you would get with frequent use of a nasal decongestant like Afrin.
You don't say what kind of a nasal spray you're using -- is it a nasal steroid such as Flonase or Nasonex? Another med that works to dry up a runny nose if it is due to allergies is Patanase (or Astepro is a similar med).
Hope these suggestions help. Take care & good luck. Judy
P.S. If it's cool or cold where you are, make sure that you put a scarf over your nose and mouth when taking the dog for a walk. Otherwise your asthma might flare up.
Also, there's a wonderful nasal spray which has the only effect of drying up a runny nose -- it's called Atrovent (ipratropium bromide). It doesn't have the rebound effect that you would get with frequent use of a nasal decongestant like Afrin.
You don't say what kind of a nasal spray you're using -- is it a nasal steroid such as Flonase or Nasonex? Another med that works to dry up a runny nose if it is due to allergies is Patanase (or Astepro is a similar med).
Hope these suggestions help. Take care & good luck. Judy
P.S. If it's cool or cold where you are, make sure that you put a scarf over your nose and mouth when taking the dog for a walk. Otherwise your asthma might flare up.
Report This| Share this:Xolair shots for asthmaZyrtec (cetirizine) is OTC and generic. You can find it in bulk at WalMart for relatively cheap. If the usual dose (10 mg) doesn't work, you could take 2 pills. And the longer term you take Zyrtec, the better it works. I tried a whole lot of different antihistamines before trying Zyrtec, and Zyrtec was the best by far of any of them.<br /> <br />Also, there's a wonderful nasal spray which has the only effect of drying up a runny nose -- it's called Atrovent (ipratropium bromide). It doesn't have the rebound effect that you would get with frequent use of a nasal decongestant like Afrin.<br /> <br />You don't say what kind of a nasal spray you're using -- is it a nasal steroid such as Flonase or Nasonex? Another med that works to dry up a runny nose if it is due to allergies is Patanase (or Astepro is a similar med).<br /> <br />Hope these suggestions help. Take care & good luck. Judy<br /> <br />P.S. If it's cool or cold where you are, make sure that you put a scarf over your nose and mouth when taking the dog for a walk. Otherwise your asthma might flare up.
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