A new drug, Xolair (Omalizumab), is now availalbe in doses of 150 or 300mg, given subcutaneously, for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (hives of unknown origin) not responding to standard therapies. Standard therepies include the use of H1 antihistamines, given once daily and increased to up to 4 times the standard dosage. The medication is administered once a month. Blood tests are not required before its use. Patients are monitored for 2 hours after injection for severe allergic reactions. For more information, please see http://www.xolair.com/ciu/
