The FDA approves a medication to address serious allergies, such as eggs, milk, and nuts

It is not a grocery list; rather, it is a list of several food allergies that may be easier to handle with a recently approved medication: milk, eggs, walnuts, and peanuts.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Genentech’s Xolair on Friday intending to lower the risk of severe allergic responses resulting from unintentional exposure to specific foods. It is regarded as the first drug that the FDA has licensed to help prevent patients from a variety of food allergies.

Using the drug during an allergic response is not advised. Rather, it is intended to be taken frequently every few weeks to gradually lower the chance of responses. Those using the medication should keep avoiding items to which they are allergic, according to the FDA.

“Continuous use of this medication will help decrease the health effect if accidental exposure happens, but it will not completely eradicate food intolerance or encourage patients to have food allergens freely,” stated Kelly Stone of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Fever and an adverse response at the injection site are among the most frequent side effects. Additionally, the medication itself carries a warning that it may cause anaphylaxis. When starting to use Xolair, Genentech recommends that a healthcare professional keep an eye on the patient.

Based on the Associated Press, the price of the drug is between $2,900 and $5,000 per month for adults and children, however, insurance may be able to reduce that amount.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 16 individuals in the United States has a food allergy as of 2021, with women and Black adults being affected at higher rates. Food allergies currently have no known treatment.

The FDA has already granted Xolair approval to treat certain cases of chronic hives, chronic inflammatory sinus disease with nasal polyps, and persistent asthma brought on by allergens.

Every 2 to 4 weeks, an injection of the medication is given. Over time, Xolair has demonstrated to assist certain individuals tolerate foods to which they are allergic, per a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-sponsored study.