Does Xolair Cause Heart Attacks and Strokes?

In July 2009, the FDA issued a statement regarding the possibility that Xolair (omalizumab) may result in an increase in various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular side effects, such as heart attacks and strokes. These concerns are based on some early data from the "Evaluating the Clinical Effectiveness and Long-Term Safety in Patients with Moderate to Severe Asthma (EXCELS)" trial, which is following 5,000 patients treated with Xolair, along with 2,500 other patients treated with other asthma medicines and not Xolair. Until the final analysis from the EXCELS study is complete, people using Xolair should discuss any concerns that they have regarding the side effects of Xolair with their physician, and should not stop using Xolair without notifying their physician. Stopping Xolair may also have potential risks, such as worsening of asthma symptoms, which could potentially be very dangerous.

Read more:

• Xolair for the Treatment of Severe Asthma
• Asthma Medicines with Black Box Warnings
• Treatments for Severe Asthma