Omalizumab for Urticaria and Angioedema

Omalizumab is given as 2 small injections under the skin every 4 weeks. You’ll have these in our outpatient Allergy centre, where our experienced nursing team will look after you throughout your visit.

The injections themselves only take a few minutes. After your first dose, we’ll ask you to stay for about 2 hours, so you can be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction — this is just a precaution, and most people feel completely fine. During this time, you can relax in our comfortable, private surroundings, with our nurses on hand if you need anything.

Your consultant will review your progress after the 4th treatment (around month 4). You’ll be asked to keep a simple symptom diary to track how your hives or swelling change between visits. If your symptoms have improved, you’ll continue to complete a 6-month course.

If your urticaria or angioedema returns in the future, omalizumab treatment can be safely restarted. For some people, home injections may also be an option after the first few months, once your consultant is happy that it’s safe and appropriate for you.

Side effects of omalizumab are rare but may include:

• headache

• abdominal pain

• fever, joint pain (flu-like symptoms)

• injection site reactions (bruising, swelling, redness, pain, warmth, stinging, itching)

Anaphylaxis is a very rare but potentially serious allergic reaction that can occur after an injection. To keep you safe, you’ll be monitored closely for any signs of a reaction after your first dose. Our experienced nursing team is fully trained and equipped to respond immediately should this occur. 

You should let your team know straight away if you notice any of the following during or after your injection: 

• itching

• rash

• swelling of the face, neck, tongue, hands, or feet

• difficulty in breathing or swallowing

• dizziness

• an upset stomach

• blurred vision

• chest pain

Your consultant will let you know if there’s anything you need to do to prepare for your injections. On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms, thighs, and abdomen. 

If you’re planning to travel to an area with a high risk of parasitic infections, please let your consultant know, as omalizumab blocks IgE, which is needed to fight parasitic infections.

After your omalizumab injection, you’ll be able to go home shortly after your observation period, and most people are able to continue their usual daily activities straight away. You might notice mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, which usually settles within a few days. It’s important to continue taking any regular medications as advised and to keep your symptom diary up to date so your consultant can track your progress. 

If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat, seek medical attention immediately or contact your team at Welbeck. Regular follow-up appointments will be arranged to review your response and plan your next course of treatment.

If your first injection doesn’t lead to any side effects, you’ll be able to go home straight away after subsequent injections, and eventually may be able to transition to self-administration at home.

Please contact our Allergy centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book omalizumab treatment, you must be referred by either your GP or a dermatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.