Monoclonal Antibodies

This week we will be discussing monoclonal antibodies; specifically, we will be talking about omalizumab which is commonly known as Xolair. Antibodies play a critical role in our immune system to fight off pathogens. Naturally, their role is to detect specific antigens such as bacteria, viruses, etc. and stop the invasion via multiple mechanisms. In order to treat certain diseases, scientists are able to synthesize man-made antibodies to use in a patient. These man-made antibodies are made to treat specific diseases. According to an article released by MedNet, monoclonal antibodies are synthesized from cloned immune cells and are able to only bind to one specific type of antigen. The monoclonal antibody known as Xolair is used to fight off microbes that cause allergic asthma. Let’s look more into how this drug works and what side effects may come along with it.

Xolair is a prescription medicine that has to be injected under the skin every two to four weeks. It is used for patients who suffer from asthma caused by allergic reactions that are not able to be controlled from using inhaled corticosteroids. In order to determine the dosage that one needs before taking this medicine, the patient must be tested for the amount of IgE that is found in their system. There are many side effects that can come with taking this drug. However, one of the most severe is an allergic reaction which leads to anaphylaxis shock. Anaphylaxis causes massive vasodilation and bronchoconstriciton which leads to a drop in blood pressure and wheezing and tightness in the chest. Other side effects that come along with this drug include:

-Cancer

-Inflammation of blood vessels

-Fever and muscle aches

-Circulation problems

-Infection

-dizzines

-sore throat

There are many more side effects that can occur. Before you are able to receive the drug, it is important that you tell the doctor if you have a latex allergy because the syringe may have latex. If you have had a parasitic infection in the past, taking the drug may raise your probability to acquiring one again. The direct role that Xolair plays in the body is decreasing the amount of IgE produced by the body. IgE is an antibody that is frequently involved with the bodies reaction to small allergens such as pollen and dust. By decreasing the the body’s production of IgE , the symptoms of an allergy response are decreased as well. Because of this monoclonal antibody suppressing aspects of the acquired immune system (IgE) this leaves way for other symptoms to appear-such as those listed on the side effects list.