Powered By
DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPY
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).
These insights and experiences are based on 2,465 comments about Kesimpta from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Kesimpta is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It attaches to a protein called CD20 on certain B cells, which are part of the immune system. The exact way it works in multiple sclerosis is not fully known.
It is thought to work by helping remove these B cells to protect the rest of the immune system.
Doctors prescribe Kesimpta for adults with relapsing (returning) forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, to help slow RMS progression.
Kesimpta is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous), typically once a week for the first three doses, then once a month starting at week 4. It can be given at home after training. The first injection should be done with help from a healthcare professional.
The recommended starting dose of Kesimpta for multiple sclerosis is 20 milligrams by subcutaneous injection at weeks 0, 1, and 2.
For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 20 milligrams by subcutaneous injection once a month starting at week 4.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 2,465 comments about Kesimpta from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Kesimpta often say the injection is easy to do at home, but many also suggest planning ahead for the first few doses. Across the community, people frequently mention preparing for short-term flu-like side effects, keeping a consistent routine, and staying in touch with their neurologist if symptoms, infections, or side effects become hard to manage.
Plan for flu-like side effects after early doses.
“For many people the first dose triggers flu-like symptoms after a few hours. My temperature went up and down between really high and really low, my joints were sore, and I was really tired the next day. After the first dose the side effects were minimal.”
Let the pen warm up and follow the injection steps carefully.
“The only thing I suggest is taking it out of the fridge about 20 to 25 minutes before taking it because when it’s cold it tends to burn at the injection site.”
Keep track of how you feel between doses.
“The only issue I have with Kesimpta is the week before the injection, which has been named ‘crap gap.’ Sometimes, but not often, I’ll feel symptoms that I’ve had before. They’re not new exacerbation, just old symptoms, like fatigue, numbness, itching, brain fog.”
Talk to your doctor about ongoing side effects or infections.
“Please discuss pre- and post-meds you can take with your doctor to control side effects.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple sclerosis. Join MyMSTeam for free.
In clinical trials of Kesimpta for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 11 percent to 39 percent of people. They include:
Kesimpta can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Kesimpta, offers the Access Card. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 copay.
To learn more, visit the Kesimpta patient support website or call 855-537-4678.
Before starting Kesimpta, your doctor will test or check for:
Before starting Kesimpta, get any needed vaccines at least four weeks before treatment for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, when possible, at least two weeks before treatment for inactivated vaccines. Live vaccines are not recommended during treatment and after stopping until your B cells recover.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ofatumumab or any ingredients in Kesimpta. Do not take Kesimpta if you have a history of hypersensitivity to ofatumumab or a life-threatening injection-related reaction to Kesimpta.
Do not take Kesimpta if you have an active hepatitis B infection.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Before using Kesimpta, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
If you miss an injection of Kesimpta at week 0, 1, or 2, talk to your healthcare provider. If you miss a monthly injection, give it as soon as possible without waiting until the next scheduled dose. After that, give your Kesimpta injections a month apart.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Kesimpta, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you can become pregnant, use effective contraception while receiving Kesimpta and for at least six months after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Kesimpta?
In two clinical studies of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, Kesimpta lowered the number of relapses by 51 percent and 58 percent compared with teriflunomide. The yearly relapse rate was 0.11 and 0.10 with Kesimpta, compared with 0.22 and 0.25 with teriflunomide.
Kesimpta also lowered the risk of disability getting worse over three months by 34.3 percent. On MRI, it reduced new or growing brain lesions by 82 percent to 98 percent.
How long does Kesimpta take to work for multiple sclerosis?
It is not clear exactly when Kesimpta starts to help a person feel better or have fewer relapses. In studies, doctors looked at relapses and MRI results over the treatment period, but the prescribing information does not give a set time for symptom improvement. However, Kesimpta did lower B-cell counts quickly.
After one week, 77.0 percent to 78.8 percent of people had B-cell counts below the lower limit of normal. After two weeks, 95.0 percent to 95.8 percent did. By week 12, 99.3 percent to 99.5 percent had counts below the lower limit of normal.
Should I take Kesimpta for multiple sclerosis if I have an infection?
If you have an active infection, you should wait to start or continue Kesimpta until the infection is gone. Serious infections can happen during treatment. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, a constant cough, or pain when urinating.
What monitoring is needed with Kesimpta for multiple sclerosis?
During treatment with Kesimpta, your doctor will check your blood for immunoglobulin levels. This is especially important if you have repeated or unusual infections. Your doctor will also do blood tests to check your liver, and watch for signs of liver problems, such as tiredness, nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
