Urticaria
"I had CIU for a year and half before my first Xolair shot.  For six months, I never went a day without hives, experienced the lip swelling and face swelling once (never want that experience again).  I was told by my allergist that I had exhausted all types of therapy so Xolair was my last and only option.  My first shot was in January, three days later I was hive free.  I took monthly shots for 6 months, no hives so we decided to try 6 weeks between shots, no hives.  It is August now - no hives!  Yes it is expensive but not being covered with hives from my head to my toes makes that worth it.  I would agree that it has made me gain about 10 pounds and I workout just about every day. I look like I am pregnant but not ready to give up yet."