What is Kesimpta: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Kesimpta

• Do not reuse syringes and needles. Throw away used pens syringes in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment. Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least an hour. You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given at the front of your thighs, stomach, or upper arms. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Remove the prefilled syringe or pen from the refrigerator before using. Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not remove the needle cover while allowing to reach room temperature. Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or pen. It should be clear to slightly cloudy and colorless to slightly brownish-yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake. Do not use the prefilled syringe or pen if it has been damaged, broken, or if you dropped it with the cap removed. You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, bruised, red, scaly, or hard, or areas with moles, scars, or stretch marks. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original container. Protect it from light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Kesimpta

Kesimpta contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to ofatumumab, if you are pregnant, or if you have an active hepatitis B infection.

Kesimpta warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, any type of infection, a weak immune system, or a history of hepatitis B infection.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Infusion reactionsTumor lysis syndromeHepatitis B infectionProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest, back pain, dizziness, fainting

Kesimpta interactions

• Some medicines can affect how ofatumumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine that weakens the immune system, including a steroid medicine.

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should have completed any needed vaccines at least 4 weeks for live or live-attenuated vaccines and at least 2 weeks for non-live (inactivated) vaccines before treatment with this medicine.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.