Finding the Right Doctor for Xolair Can Feel Overwhelming

If you've heard about Xolair (Omalizumab) and think it might help your condition, the first step is finding a doctor who can prescribe it. Xolair isn't something you can get from a quick urgent care visit — it's a specialty biologic that requires specific expertise to prescribe and monitor.

Whether you're dealing with severe allergic asthma, chronic hives, nasal polyps, or the newer food allergy indication, this guide will walk you through exactly how to find the right provider near you in 2026.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Xolair?

Xolair is typically prescribed by specialists, not general practitioners. Here are the types of doctors most likely to prescribe it:

• Allergist/Immunologist — The most common prescriber. Allergists treat allergic asthma, food allergies, and chronic hives, which are all FDA-approved uses of Xolair.
• Pulmonologist — Lung specialists who treat moderate to severe asthma often prescribe Xolair when inhaled corticosteroids aren't enough.
• Dermatologist — For chronic spontaneous urticaria (chronic hives) that doesn't respond to antihistamines.
• ENT/Otolaryngologist — Ear, nose, and throat doctors may prescribe Xolair for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
• Pediatric Allergist — For children with severe allergic asthma (ages 6+) or food allergies (ages 1+).

Your primary care doctor can refer you to one of these specialists. In some cases, they may start the referral process after reviewing your medical history and allergy test results.

How to Find a Provider Who Prescribes Xolair

Here are the most effective ways to locate a Xolair prescriber near you:

1. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

This is the simplest starting point. Tell your doctor you're interested in Xolair and ask for a referral to an allergist, pulmonologist, or the appropriate specialist for your condition. Many insurance plans require a referral before you can see a specialist.

2. Use Genentech's "Support for You" Program

Genentech, the maker of Xolair, offers a patient support program that can help connect you with experienced prescribers. Visit their website or call their support line to get started. They can also help with insurance navigation and co-pay assistance.

3. Search Your Insurance Provider Directory

Log into your insurance company's website and search for in-network allergists, pulmonologists, or immunologists. This ensures you'll get the best coverage for both office visits and the medication itself.

4. Check with Specialty Pharmacies

Xolair is often dispensed through specialty pharmacies. These pharmacies can sometimes recommend doctors in your area who regularly prescribe the medication.

5. Use MedFinder

If you already have a prescription and need to find Xolair in stock near you, MedFinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have it available.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Once you've found a specialist, here's what typically happens:

Before the Visit

• Gather your medical records, especially allergy test results and a list of current medications
• Write down your symptoms, how long you've had them, and what treatments you've already tried
• Check if your insurance requires prior authorization — many plans do for Xolair

During the Visit

Your doctor will evaluate whether Xolair is right for you based on your condition:

• For asthma: They'll check your IgE levels with a blood test and review your body weight. Both factors determine your Xolair dose and frequency.
• For chronic hives: They'll confirm you've tried H1 antihistamines without success.
• For food allergies: They'll review your allergy testing results and exposure history.
• For nasal polyps: They'll assess the severity of your condition and previous treatments.

Your doctor will also discuss potential side effects and the boxed warning about anaphylaxis risk. This is important — Xolair carries a warning that anaphylaxis can happen after any injection, even days later.

Getting Prior Authorization

Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Xolair. Your doctor's office will typically handle this process, but it can take days to weeks. Be prepared for some back-and-forth with your insurance company. If you're denied, ask about the appeals process.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor prescribes Xolair and insurance approves it, here's what comes next:

Where You'll Get Your Injections

Your first several doses of Xolair must be administered in a healthcare setting (like your doctor's office or an infusion center) so you can be monitored for allergic reactions. After your doctor determines it's safe, you may be able to self-inject at home using a prefilled syringe or autoinjector.

Finding Xolair in Stock

Xolair has experienced intermittent supply issues since the food allergy indication was approved in 2024. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, check our guide on how to check pharmacy stock without calling.

Paying for Xolair

Xolair is expensive — typically $1,500 to $4,000+ per injection. But there are ways to reduce costs:

• Genentech Co-pay Program: Can reduce costs to as low as $0 for commercially insured patients
• Genentech Patient Foundation: Free Xolair for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients
• Check our full guide on how to save money on Xolair

What If You Can't Find a Specialist Nearby?

If you live in a rural area or can't find a specialist, consider these options:

• Academic medical centers: University hospitals often have allergy and immunology departments with Xolair experience.
• Travel to a larger city: Some patients travel for their initial evaluation and then receive ongoing injections closer to home.
• Ask about the biosimilar: Omlyclo (omalizumab-igec), a biosimilar to Xolair, was FDA-approved in 2025 and may be more available in some areas.

Note that Xolair is not available through telehealth — you need an in-person visit for injections and monitoring, especially for initial doses.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who prescribes Xolair takes a few steps, but it's absolutely worth the effort if you're living with uncontrolled allergic asthma, chronic hives, nasal polyps, or food allergies. Start with your primary care doctor, use the resources listed above, and don't be discouraged if the process takes a little time.

For more information about Xolair, check out our guide on what Xolair is and how it works, or learn about alternatives to Xolair if you're having trouble getting your prescription filled.