Xolair® (omalizumab) enrollment in a tertiary care allergy and asthma clinic in Canada

Abstract

RATIONALE: Omalizumab has been approved in Canada since 2004 for the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma in patients 12 years of age. Severe persistent allergic asthma can lead to the possibility of prolonged use of high doses of inhaled and oral corticosteroids, frequent emergency room (ER) visits with possible hospitalizations and frequent absences from work /school and social activities. The use of Omalizumab can decrease the use of corticosteroids, ER visits and improve the overall quality of life (QoL) for patients. METHOD(S): A retrospective chart review of our database at our large tertiary care clinic from 2004 to 2014 was performed. Data was collected regarding asthma exacerbation, ER visits and hospitalization, as well as oral and inhaled corticosteroid use. QoL questionnaires completed upon enrollment and at specific intervals during treatment with omalizumab were analyzed. RESULT(S): A steady number of patients were enrolled each year since 2004, showing its greatest increase in enrollment numbers since 2012. Our data indicates that the majority of patients improved with significantly less asthma exacerbation, less ER visit and hospitalization, reduction in the use of oral and inhaled corticosteroids and better QoL. CONCLUSION(S): Omalizumab is effective in the treatment of moderate and severe allergic asthma. It improves QoL and reduces asthma exacerbation, ER visit and hospitalizations, and significantly reduced the use of oral corticosteroids and inhaled corticosteroids.