Omalizumab for hives

What is Omalizumab available as?

Omalizumab is provided in a syringe that contains a fixed amount of the medicine. 

When should I give Omalizumab

Omalizumab injection is usually given every 4 weeks.

How much should I give?

Omalizumab is provided in a syringe that contains a fixed amount of the medicine. Your doctor will tell you whether to give one or two injections.

How should I give Omalizumab?

Omalizumab  is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin). The injection is usually given by a healthcare professional to start with, so they can monitor any side-effects. However, your healthcare professional may allow you to administer the medicine at home or older children may be able to administer it themselves. You will be shown how to do this, and instructions are provided with the medicine.

Do not administer the injection yourself unless you have been shown how to do it, in case you inject it into the wrong place.

When should the medicine start working?

Omalizumab starts to work straight away, but it may take a few weeks before you see any improvement in your child’s symptoms. It takes a few months for the full effect to be reached. It is important to continue with your child’s other prescribed medicines during this time.

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

If  your child is sick you do not need to give them another dose, as the medicine will still work.

What if I forget to give it?

If you administer omalizumab at home and have forgotten, give the injection as soon as you remember. Set a reminder to give the next injections 4 weeks from that date.

What if I give too much?

As omalizumab comes in a pre-filled syringe, you will not be able to give your child too much. However, if you have given more than the prescribed amount in a month, contact your doctor for advice.

Are there any possible side effects?

We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects).

Side effects you must do something about

Other side-effects you need to know about

• • Your child may get a fever (high temperature), pain in their joints or a and rash up to 5 days after an injection of omalizumab. Contact your doctor if this happens.
  • Children who are at risk of parasite infection (worms) may get an infection. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
  • Your child may get general aches and pains in their arms and legs or other joints, feel dizzy or tired, or experience itching and skin rashes.

Children sometimes get other side-effects that are not listed above. If you notice anything unusual and are concerned, contact your doctor. You can report any suspected side effects to a UK safety scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

More information on side-effects can be found in a leaflet on our website.

Can other medicines be given at the same time as Omalizumab?

• You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.

• Omalizumab should not be taken with some medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines your child is taking before giving Omalizumab.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal and complementary medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

You will be given a special container for the used syringes and needles. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you this container and tell you how to use it and how to dispose of it. Needles and syringes should not be in the household waste.

If omalizumab has not helped your child after four injections, your doctor may recommend stopping treatment as it is unlikely to work.

If your child’s hives have responded well after six injections, your doctor may suggest stopping treatment to see if they are in remission. Your doctor will start the treatment again if symptoms come back.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep the syringes in the container they came in and put them in a fridge. Make sure that the liquid doesn’t freeze.

Do not use if it has been out of the fridge for more than 48 hours (2 days) in total.

Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine or syringes.

Who to contact for more information?

Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about omalizumab and about other medicines used to treat hives (urticaria). You can also get useful information from:

Copyright disclaimer

Version [1]. © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild, all rights reserved. Review by January 2028.

The primary source for the information in this leaflet is the British National Formulary for Children. For details on any other sources used for this leaflet, please contact us through our website, www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk.

We take great care to make sure that the information in this leaflet is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is important that you ask the advice of your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about something. This leaflet is about the use of these medicines in the UK, and may not apply to other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this leaflet.