Kesimpta is a brand name for ofatumumab, which is a medication used to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Kesimpta is a brand name for ofatumumab (formerly OMB157), a targeted B-cell medication to treat the relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. It is licensed and distributed by Novartis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disorder of the brain and spinal cord, which has an autoimmune etiology. It is characterized by muscle weakness, balance problems, visual disturbances, painful sensations in the limbs, and neck and memory problems.
The CD-20 protein present on B type of lymphocytes (white blood cells) plays a role in the development of MS. Suppressing this protein may help reduce the neuronal inflammation seen in RMS, which lowers the severity and duration of the relapse.
Kesimpta is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that suppresses the CD20 protein on lymphocytes by binding to a distinct fragment on the molecule of CD20. This causes B-cell destruction. It comes in a targeted and specific selective delivery system that allows precise delivery to the lymph nodes, where B-cell depletion in MS is needed.
- Kesimpta can be self-administered at designated subcutaneous injections sites one time a month.
- Kesimpta may soon become the first-line therapy for the management of multiple sclerosis.
How is Kesimpta administered?
The first dose of Kesimpta is always administered under a doctor’s supervision. The subsequent doses can be administered at home.
The recommended dosage schedule is:
- First dose: Subcutaneous injection with a 20-mg dose of Kesimpta at weeks zero, one, and two.
- Subsequent doses: Also of 20 mg via subcutaneous injection one time a month, beginning at week four.
Kesimpta self-administration tips
- You should clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
- Pinch the area between your index finger and thumb and gently inject the required dose.
- The recommended site for Kesimpta is in the abdomen, thigh, or outer upper arm.
- Do not inject into moles, scars, stretch marks, or areas where the skin is wounded, infected, tender, bruised, red, or scaly.
If you miss a dose of Kesimpta, administer it as soon as possible without waiting until the next scheduled dose. You may then take the next doses at the recommended intervals without changing the previous schedule.
Kesimpta sensoready pens and syringes are for single use only. Make sure you discard them as recommended on the inserts.
Who should not take Kesimpta?
Research is underway to understand the side effects and safety levels of ofatumumab containing Kesimpta. However, certain individuals should not take these injections.
Those with Hepatitis B (HVB) infection should never take Kesimpta. Your healthcare provider will check your blood for Hepatitis B infection before initiating the therapy.
- If you have a history of HBV infection, the virus could reactivate during or after the treatment with Kesimpta.
- If you have an active hepatitis B liver disease, your healthcare provider will not initiate the treatment until the virus is completely out of your system.
- Your healthcare provider will monitor you for HBV infection during and after you stop using Kesimpta.
Kesimpta can cause liver failure and death in those with HBV infection.
- Kesimpta weakens your immune system and may increase your risk of getting serious sepsis.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare, serious brain infection caused by a virus and can result in death or severe disability. Kesimpta can trigger disease progression by weakening your immunity. Contact your doctor if you experience any new or worsening neurologic symptoms, such as unilateral body weakness, vision loss, loss of coordination in the limbs, mood changes, or personality changes.
Injection-related reactions of Kesimpta include side effects such as: