Chronic urticaria (hives) can be a miserable experience for those that are afflicted. Many patients with this condition suffer from daily, very itchy hives that are difficult to control, often requiring multiple antihistamines and other medications to control their symptoms. For many of these patients, complete control is rarely if ever achieved.

There is now a new option available for the treatment of chronic urticaria – Xolair (omalizumab) Xolair is a biologic medication originally developed to treat asthma, and it has turned out to be highly effective for many patients suffering from chronic hives. Xolair has now received FDA approval for the treatment of chronic hives. If you or a loved one suffers from chronic hives, please contact our office and schedule an appointment to review your options.

Dr. Kenneth Backman of Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County comments: “We’ve had success treating difficult-to-control asthma with Xolair, and in our office it has been a remarkably safe and well tolerated option. Chronic hives can often be much more difficult to control, and the ability to prescribe Xolair for this condition should greatly improve the lives of many of our patients.”