What Everyone Needs to Know About Xolair for Food Allergies

While most people savor meals without hesitation, for roughly 33 million Americans with food allergies, each bite carries the weight of potential danger. From meticulously reading ingredient labels to staying alert for hidden allergens, mealtimes can feel like a high-stakes gamble.
But what if you could enjoy your meals freely without fearing
anaphylaxis?
We at Premier Allergy of Texas are excited to share some promising news: Xolair injection for allergies like chronic hives is now an FDA-approved food allergy treatment. This is a significant leap forward in allergy care, offering families renewed peace of mind around mealtimes.
Let’s take a closer look at how Xolair works and whether it’s the right
food allergy treatment option for you or your loved ones.
Considering Xolair for Food Allergies?
What Is Xolair?
Xolair (omalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody medication traditionally used to manage asthma and chronic hives. It works by blocking a critical component of the immune system responsible for triggering allergic reactions. Now, Xolair is gaining attention as a new treatment option for food allergies.
In early 2024, the
FDA approved Xolair for people with Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies like peanuts, eggs, and more. This approval came after strong clinical studies showed that Xolair can help people better tolerate accidental exposure to these allergens, reducing the risk of serious allergic reactions.
How Xolair Works in the Body
Food allergies happen when your immune system mistakes harmless food proteins for threats. This reaction is driven by IgE antibodies, which attach themselves to immune cells like mast cells. When you eat food you’re allergic to, these cells release chemicals like histamine that cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, trouble breathing, or even more serious reactions.
Xolair for food allergies works by binding to those IgE antibodies circulating in your blood, preventing them from triggering this allergic response. Think of it like cutting the fuse before the fireworks start. By calming your body’s reaction to allergens over time, Xolair can make accidental exposures cause milder reactions or prevent them altogether.
Recent studies show that Xolair reduces allergic reactions and has
fewer side effects than oral immunotherapy (OIT), which involves gradually exposing patients to allergens. This makes Xolair safer and more effective for many people with multiple food allergies.
What Food Allergies Can Xolair Treat?

Now that we’ve covered how Xolair works, let’s look at the kinds of food allergies it’s approved to treat.
Xolair is designed for people with IgE-mediated food allergies—the kind that can trigger rapid, potentially life-threatening reactions like
anaphylaxis. It is especially helpful because you can use Xolair for multiple food allergies.
Common food allergies Xolair is approved for include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (e.g., cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
What to Expect With Xolair Treatment
If you’re considering Xolair or omalizumab for food allergies, here’s what you need to know:
Administration
Xolair is an injection given just under the skin, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on your age, weight, and IgE levels, you may need one or two injections at a time.
Effectiveness Timeline
If you’re wondering how long Xolair takes to work, it typically requires a few months to reach its full effect. Many patients start seeing results within 4–6 months, with improved tolerance to small amounts of allergens.
Continued Precautions
Xolair injection for allergies helps reduce reactions from accidental exposure, but you’ll still need to avoid known allergens and carry emergency epinephrine just in case.
Possible Side Effects
While most patients tolerate Xolair for food allergies well, some notice mild side effects like:
- Injection site swelling
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Severe reactions are rare, but your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during your first few injections to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Is Xolair the Best Treatment for Food Allergies?
Xolair may be a suitable option if:
- You or your child is 1 year or older
- You have confirmed IgE-mediated food allergies
- You are allergic to multiple foods
- You’ve experienced severe reactions in the past
- You feel anxious about accidental exposures
At Premier Allergy of Texas, our
food allergy specialists in San Antonio provide personalized evaluations to determine if Xolair fits your health goals and lifestyle.
Trust Premier Allergy of Texas to Support Your Food Allergy Journey
Living with food allergies can feel overwhelming and exhausting every single day. While Xolair doesn’t replace the careful vigilance you already practice, it adds an important layer of protection—helping to reduce emergency visits and giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.
As
allergy doctors offering Xolair in San Antonio, we at Premier Allergy of Texas truly understand the challenges people with food allergies face, and we’re dedicated to walking alongside you on this journey. Whether it’s through allergy testing, oral food challenges, or exploring new treatments for food allergies like Xolair, our caring team is here to support you, answer your questions, and ease your concerns.
Call us at (210) 791-7856 to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll find the best path forward for you and your family.
Eager to See if Xolair Suits Your Needs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Xolair vs oral immunotherapy for food allergies: what’s the difference?
Xolair injection for allergies works by blocking IgE antibodies that trigger reactions, whereas OIT gradually exposes you to small amounts of the allergen to build tolerance. Many patients find Xolair has fewer side effects and is easier to tolerate, especially for multiple food allergies.
How effective is Xolair for food allergies?
Xolair is highly effective at reducing the severity of allergic reactions caused by accidental exposure to food allergens. While it doesn’t cure food allergies, the injection offers an added layer of protection and peace of mind, especially for people with multiple or severe allergies.
Is Xolair safe for children?
Yes, Xolair is an FDA-approved food allergy treatment for children as young as 1 year old and has been shown to reduce the risk of allergic reactions safely. At Premier Allergy of Texas, we carefully assess each child’s needs to ensure safe, effective treatment and ongoing support.
Does insurance cover Xolair for food allergies?
Coverage for Xolair varies by insurance plan, but many now include it since its FDA approval in February 2024.
If you’re exploring Xolair treatment in San Antonio, Premier Allergy of Texas is here to help you navigate insurance options and connect you with financial assistance programs to make treatment more accessible.