Kesimpta
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a monoclonal antibody used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) that keeps returning (relapsing). It's given as an injection under the skin. After the first month of weekly doses, you only need to inject this medication once a month. Kesimpta (ofatumumab) comes as a Sensoready Pen that might be easier to use for some people than the pre-filled syringes. Some common side effects of Kesimpta (ofatumumab) include higher risk of infections, and pain or swelling at the injection site.
What is Kesimpta (ofatumumab)?
What is Kesimpta (ofatumumab) used for?
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
How Kesimpta (ofatumumab) works
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a monoclonal antibody. It's not exactly known how the medication works. But it's thought to treat MS by preventing certain immune cells in your body from attacking the coverings on your nerve cells by mistake. This might help ease symptoms of MS.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Kesimpta (ofatumumab)?
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat, runny nose, and other symptoms of respiratory tract infections (39%)
- Fever, headaches, and other injection-related reactions (21%)
- Headache (13%)
- Pain, redness, and other reactions at the injection site (11%)
- Pain while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infections (10%)
Other Side Effects
- Back pain
Serious Side Effects
- Serious infections: fever, tiredness, chills, cough, trouble breathing
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Pros and cons of Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
Pros
Works well for treating relapsing forms of MS
After the first month, only need monthly injections
Injections can be given at home
Comes as a Sensoready Pen that's easier to inject than the prefilled syringe
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) pens or syringes can be left at room temperature for up to 7 days
Cons
Needs to be given as an injection under the skin
Not recommended in pregnancy
Unknown if safe or works well in children
Raises your risk of infections
Pharmacist tips for Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
Your provider will likely have you give yourself your first dose of Kesimpta (ofatumumab) in their office or clinic to make sure you know how to correctly give yourself the medication and to monitor you for any injection-related reactions, such as headaches and fever. These reactions are most common within a day of your first injection.
Before you begin, make sure to watch this instructional video about how to give yourself Kesimpta (ofatumumab) injections with the Sensoready Pen.
Before you inject Kesimpta (ofatumumab), always check to make sure the liquid is clear or slightly brownish-yellow before using it. If it's very cloudy, discolored, or has many particles, don't use it. Contact your provider or pharmacist to see if it's possible to get a replacement.
You inject Kesimpta (ofatumumab) under the skin in the front of your thighs, lower part of your stomach, or your outer upper arms if someone else is giving you the injection. If you choose to inject into the stomach, inject 2 inches away from your belly button. Never inject into a muscle or vein.
To lower the risk of bruising and irritation, rotate between different injection sites each time so that the same area isn't used repeatedly. Don't inject Kesimpta (ofatumumab) into skin with moles, scars, or stretch marks, or skin that is tender, bruised, red, scaly, or hard.
After giving yourself the medication, throw away the syringe and needle in a sharps container or something made of heavy-duty plastic (e.g., empty milk carton, laundry detergent bottle) to lower the risk of needlestick injuries. Don't throw away the syringe or needle in your trash can.
Each Kesimpta (ofatumumab) prefilled syringe and pen provides a single dose of medication. You must throw away any leftover medication after each use, even if there's still some remaining.
If you miss your regularly scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember without waiting until the next scheduled dose. Then, continue taking Kesimpta (ofatumumab) every month thereafter.
Store Kesimpta (ofatumumab) in the original package to protect them from light and in the refrigerator. When it's time for your dose, take a prefilled syringe or pen out of the refrigerator and lay it on a flat surface to warm up to room temperature. This will take about 15 to 30 minutes. Don't try to warm up the medication any other way (e.g., microwave, under hot water) because you might damage it.
If you're traveling and don't have access to a refrigerator, Kesimpta (ofatumumab) can be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days. After 7 days, discard the medication and don't use it.
Frequently asked questions about Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Kesimpta (ofatumumab)?
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of serious infections
Risk factors: Active, chronic (long-term), or recurrent infection | Other conditions that raise your risk of infection | Taking medications that weaken your immune system
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. This raises your risk of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The risk is higher for people who are taking or recently have taken other medications that weaken the immune system. Additionally, Kesimpta (ofatumumab) might reactivate certain viruses that are already in your body, such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can be dangerous. If you develop an infection, your provider will likely ask you to stop taking Kesimpta (ofatumumab) until your body fights off the infection.
The most common types of infection experienced by people taking Kesimpta (ofatumumab) are upper respiratory infections and urinary tract infections. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of these infections, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, weakness, pain while urinating, and needed to urinate more often.
Injection reactions
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) can cause injection-related reactions, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, chills, and fatigue. These typically occur within a day of your first dose, but can also happen with later doses. In order to make sure you're safe, your provider will ask you to receive your first injection of Kesimpta (ofatumumab) at a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare team can provide medical attention if your reaction is severe.
In addition, Kesimpta (ofatumumab) can also cause reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, itching, and pain. These reactions tend to be mild to moderate, and typically get better or go away altogether with future doses. Talk to your provider if you get any of these reactions.
Harm to unborn babies
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) should be avoided in pregnant females because it can potentially cause harm to babies based on animal studies. To be safe, it's recommended for females who can become pregnant to use birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose of Kesimpta (ofatumumab). If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, ask your provider about the safest options for you and your unborn baby.
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
The typical starting dose is to inject 20 mg of Kesimpta (ofatumumab) under the skin once a week for 3 weeks. Starting from week 4, the typical maintenance dose is to inject 20 mg once a month.
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) contraindications
Active hepatitis B infection
What are alternatives to Kesimpta (ofatumumab)?
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
What is the latest news about Kesimpta (ofatumumab)?
Kesimpta (ofatumumab) images
Get savings updates for Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Kesimpta (ofatumumab) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
References
Best studies we foundNational Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS).
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). Types of multiple sclerosis.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). Kesimpta- ofatumumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Novartis. (n.d.). Kesimpta resources for every step of the way.
Novartis. (n.d.). Treat relapsing MS at home or on the go, once a month.
Vaillant, A. J., et al. (2023). Immunoglobulin. StatPearls.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.