Adult Asthma Drug Safe for Kids?

While the asthma drug Xolair is commonly prescribed to adults, a recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health suggests the asthma drug can potentially eliminate asthma symptoms in children living within inner-city environments. According to this study, the children involved had a 75 percent decrease in asthma related hospitalizations. Further results produced showed 30 percent of the children had fewer seasonal allergy and asthma attacks versus the previous 49 percent. The use of Xolair during the spring and fall, when allergy and asthma attacks are at their peak, has shown to decrease these attacks, as well at the occurrence of other respiratory illnesses in children.

Xolair for Asthma

Xolair is generally prescribed for children 12 years and over to treat moderate to severe asthma. It isn't recommended children under 12 years use this drug because research in this area is limited. This medication appears to be very beneficial in teens and adults, and the risks of use are somewhat rare but can include symptoms such as headache, dizziness and joint or muscle pain. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur, which can include wheezing, rashes and swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.

Xolair for Children

The study consisted of 419 children in seven U.S. cities over a period of 60 weeks. The children were separated into two groups; the first group received a placebo and the second received the asthma drug. Xolair targeted the antibody responsible for allergic reactions, preventing the release of certain substances known to trigger allergic reactions that can cause asthma attacks. The children with serious allergies responded the best to the asthma drug.

Study author William Busse, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said, "The spike in asthma attacks in the fall, which is associated with colds and other viral airway infections, disappeared in the kids in the omalizumab (Xolair) group."

In 2003, the FDA approved the use of Xolair in adults and children over 12 years old; however, the FDA denied the use of the drug in children under 12 years old. With the latest results provided by this study, the FDA may eventually reconsider the use of this asthma drug for children under 12 years old. Before this can happen, more conclusive evidence will need to be produced, as well as clear knowledge of harmful reactions and side effects that may occur to younger children.

References:
"Xolair" Drugs.com
"Benefits of Xolair" Drugs.com