Omalizumab (Xolair) is the anti-IgE medicine now available. Xolair is made to be similar to natural antibodies and is designed specifically to capture most of the IgE and block the allergic response. Xolair is approved by the FDA for use with patients 6 years of age and older who have incomplete control of moderate to severe persistent asthma, have year-round allergies or are taking routine inhaled corticosteroids. Xolair has been shown to decrease asthma episodes in some of these patients. Xolair has also been approved for patients 12 years of age and older who have chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU; chronic hives without a known cause) who continue to have hives that are not controlled by conventional antihistamine treatments. Xolair is given by a shot (injection) one to two times a month. The shots are given in the doctor’s office. The dosage varies, depending on the person's diagnosis, weight and IgE blood level. Xolair is a long-term control medicine. This means it is given routinely to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a quick relief medicine. Some patients improve quickly. Some patients show a gradual benefit. Xolair does not appear to work for all patients.