Side Effects of Xolair Linked to Heart Attacks, Other Problems

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. were reviewing potential product liability lawsuits for individuals nationwide who may have suffered serious and potentially life-threatening injuries as a result of Xolair side effects, alleging that the drug makers failed to provide adequate warnings for users and the medical community.

Users of Xolair may face an increased risk of certain heart problems and issues with blood vessels supplying the brain, which may lead to a:

  • Heart Attack
  • Mini-Stroke (TIA or Trasient Ischemic Attack)
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Pulmonary Embolism (Lung Blood Clot)
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Chest Pain

Potential Xolair lawsuits are being evaluated on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are never any out-of-pocket expenses to hire a lawyer and there are no attorney fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. Request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Xolair Heart Side Effects

Xolair (omalizumab) is a Genentech drug first approved by the FDA in 2003, for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma among individuals 12 years old or older.

It is an injection administered by a doctor every 2-4 weeks for individuals with a positive skin or blood test to year-round allergens in the air, whose asthma symptoms are not well controlled by inhaled corticosteroid medications.

Following the review of data from a 5-year study conducted by Genentech, the FDA determined in September 2014 that new Xolair warnings are needed about the potential risk of heart problems, brain problems and possibly even a risk of cancer from the asthma medication.

The FDA issued an early communication about the potential link between Xolair and heart side effects in 2009, following a review of preliminary data from this study, known as EXCELS. The early data found a disproportionate increase in:

  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Failure
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Cerebrovascular disorders
  • Embolic, Thrombotic and Thrombophlebitic Events

According to a drug safety communication following a review of final data from this study, the FDA confirmed that a higher rate of heart and brain blood vessel problems were seen among users of Xolair when compared to those who did not receive the asthma injection.

The new Xolair heart warnings join a prior “black box” added to the asthma injection in 2007, about the risk of Xolair causing anaphylaxis reactions, which may result in trouble breathing, chest tightness, hives, swelling, throat tightness and other potentially serious allergic problems.

Due to the number of hypersensitivity reports associated with the medication, a May 2014 report by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) raised questions about whether clinical use of the medication is appropriate. This has led some to speculate than an Xolair recall may be necessary.

Xolair Class Action Lawyers

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing the potential for Xolair class action lawsuits and individual injury lawsuits for individuals who have suffered a heart attack, mini-stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary hypertension or other injury that may have been caused by side effects of Xolair.

It appears that Genentech may have placed their desire for profits before consumer safety by delaying warnings about the potential risks. The drug maker waited years after introducing Xolair to conduct a safety study on the long-term side effects. In addition, limitations and weaknesses in the design of the study have prevented consumers from being provided accurate and complete information about the potential Xolair risks.

New cases are no longer being accepted by Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. This page is maintained for informational purposes only.