Kesimpta vs. Copaxone for Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Kesimpta

(ofatumumab)

Glatiramer

(Copaxone)

Summary for Kesimpta

Prescription only

Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is an injectable medication for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It works as a monoclonal antibody to help lessen MS flare-ups that come and go. Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is injected under the skin. You can use the Kesimpta prefilled syringes or Sensoready Pens to inject. After the first 3 weekly injections, you inject the medication once a month. Some common side effects include a higher risk of infections, pain or swelling at the injection site, and headache.

Indications for Kesimpta

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including relapsing-remitting MS, clinically isolated syndrome, and secondary progressive MS

Pros and Cons for Kesimpta

Pros

Injections are once a month (after the first 3 injections)
Can inject at home after you're trained
Comes as prefilled syringes and Sensoready Pens
Can be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days

Cons

Doesn't cure MS
Must give as an injection under the skin
Raises your risk of infections
Not recommended for people who are pregnant

Common Side Effects for Kesimpta

Upper respiratory tract infections (39%)
Reactions related to the injection (e.g., fever, chills, tiredness; 21%)
Headache (13%)
Reaction at the injection site (e.g., pain, redness, swelling; 11%)
Urinary tract infection (10%)

Warnings for Kesimpta

Risk of infections
Injection reactions
Lower antibody levels
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Copaxone

Prescription only

Glatiramer (Copaxone) is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramer (Copaxone) is injected under the skin, either daily or three times a week, depending on your dose. Injection sites for glatiramer (Copaxone) include the arms, stomach, hips, and thighs. It can cause common side effects such as warmth and pain at the injection site. Glatiramer (Copaxone) comes as prefilled syringes. But your provider can also write you a prescription for autoinjectors, which might be easier to use. Glatiramer is available as both brand-name and generic medications.

Indications for Copaxone

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Copaxone

Pros

Less likely to cause serious side effects compared to some other injectable MS medications, such as Avonex (interferon beta-1a)
Can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month
Available as lower-cost generics (Glatopa and glatiramer)

Cons

Needs to be injected every day (20 mg/mL) or three times per week (40 mg/mL)
Not well-studied in children or older adults 65 years of age or older
Injection can cause damage to skin, so need to rotate injection sites

Common Side Effects for Copaxone

Warmth at injection site (43%)
Pain at injection site (40%)
Infection (30%)
Itching and swelling at injection site (up to 27%)
Weakness (22%)
General body pain (20%)
Rash (19%)
Nausea (15%)
Trouble catching your breath (14%)
Anxiety (13%)
Chest pain (13%)
Back pain (12%)

Warnings for Copaxone

Reactions after injection
Chest pain
Loss of fat tissue and injection site necrosis
Liver damage

Prices with our coupons for Kesimpta vs. Copaxone

Kesimpta1 pen / 20mg/0.4ml

$10,789.78-

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Glatiramer1 carton / 12 syringes of 40mg/ml

$1,109.82$4,484.50

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Kesimpta vs. Copaxone

Kesimpta

Glatiramer

Summary for Kesimpta

Indications for Kesimpta

Pros and Cons for Kesimpta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kesimpta

Warnings for Kesimpta

Summary for Copaxone

Indications for Copaxone

Pros and Cons for Copaxone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Copaxone

Warnings for Copaxone

Prices with our coupons for Kesimpta vs. Copaxone

Compare other Multiple Sclerosis drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Kesimpta

Glatiramer

Summary for Kesimpta

Indications for Kesimpta

Pros and Cons for Kesimpta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kesimpta

Warnings for Kesimpta

Summary for Copaxone

Indications for Copaxone

Pros and Cons for Copaxone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Copaxone

Warnings for Copaxone