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

Kesimpta

(ofatumumab)

Dimethyl fumarate

(Tecfidera)

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 Tecfidera

Prescription only

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is used to treat adults with certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects your nervous system. This medication is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is available as a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. The capsules are taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

Indications for Tecfidera

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Tecfidera

Pros

Works well to lessen MS relapses
Can take with or without food
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
No known interactions with other medications or supplements

Cons

Need to take twice a day
Might need MRI scans to see whether the medication is working for you
Might need to have regular blood work done to make sure the medication isn't causing any liver problems
Can cause more bothersome stomach-related side effects than Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)

Common Side Effects for Tecfidera

Flushing (40%)
Stomach pain (18%)
Diarrhea (14%)
Nausea (12%)
Vomiting (9%)
Itchiness (8%)
Rash (8%)

Warnings for Tecfidera

Severe allergic reactions
Serious infections
Low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia)
Liver damage
Flushing
Serious stomach and intestine problems

Prices with our coupons for Kesimpta vs. Tecfidera

Kesimpta1 pen / 20mg/0.4ml

$10,789.78-

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Dimethyl Fumarate1 bottle / 60 capsules of 240mg

$39.34$8,936.76

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Kesimpta vs. Tecfidera

Kesimpta

Dimethyl fumarate

Summary for Kesimpta

Indications for Kesimpta

Pros and Cons for Kesimpta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kesimpta

Warnings for Kesimpta

Summary for Tecfidera

Indications for Tecfidera

Pros and Cons for Tecfidera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tecfidera

Warnings for Tecfidera

Prices with our coupons for Kesimpta vs. Tecfidera

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Kesimpta

Dimethyl fumarate

Summary for Kesimpta

Indications for Kesimpta

Pros and Cons for Kesimpta

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Kesimpta

Warnings for Kesimpta

Summary for Tecfidera

Indications for Tecfidera

Pros and Cons for Tecfidera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tecfidera

Warnings for Tecfidera