New Asthma Treatment

Asthma, although common, can often be managed with current medications, including inhaled steroids and other preventative medications. For some people who suffer with asthma, routine medicines aren't enough though, and they have daily symptoms and decreased quality of life as they try to avoid the things that trigger their asthma symptoms.

Xolair (omalizumab) is a new medication for allergy related asthma that can provide relief for many of these patients. Xoliar is given as a monthly injection to teens over age 12 and adults. Drawbacks to this new medication is that it is a shot that is given once or twice a month and it is very expensive, costing most patients about $10,000 a year. If it reduces ER visits and hospitalizations, it will likely be a cost effective treatment though, so hopefully insurance companies will pay for it.

Xolair is the same medication that was in the news recently for helping people with peanut allergies.