Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat clinically isolated syndrome and the following types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults:
Kesimpta comes as a liquid solution that’s given by subcutaneous injection. It’s available as a prefilled pen called a Sensoready pen and a prefilled syringe.
The active drug in Kesimpta is ofatumumab, which is a
Kesimpta is a part of the monoclonal antibody drug class. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Specifically, Kesimpta is a CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody.
For information on the dosage of Kesimpta, including its forms, strength, and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Kesimpta, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Kesimpta provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Kesimpta, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Kesimpta. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
Kesimpta forms
Kesimpta is a medication that you’ll inject subcutaneously.
The drug comes as a liquid solution that’s available in two different forms:
- a single-dose prefilled pen called a Sensoready pen
- a single-dose prefilled syringe
Your doctor will recommend the form that’s best for you. Use each pen or syringe only once.
Kesimpta strength
Kesimpta comes in one strength: 20 milligrams per 0.4 milliliters (20 mg/0.4 mL).
Typical dosage
The usual dosage of Kesimpta is the same for clinically isolated syndrome and certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, such as relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS.
You’ll likely inject your first dose of Kesimpta at your doctor’s office or a medical facility. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will guide you on how to inject Kesimpta. Then, you’ll continue Kesimpta treatment by giving yourself injections at home. Another option is to have a caregiver inject each dose for you at home.
When you start taking Kesimpta, you’ll follow a weekly dosing schedule at first. The typical loading doses (starter doses) of Kesimpta are single 20-mg injections at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 4 of treatment. (You won’t take a dose at week 3.) Loading doses are designed to help the drug start working quickly. After this, you’ll switch to a monthly maintenance (ongoing) dosage. This is typically one 20-mg injection per month.
Long-term use
Kesimpta is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Kesimpta is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take the drug long term.
Kesimpta comes as a liquid solution. It’s available as a prefilled pen called Sensoready pen or a prefilled syringe. Each pen or syringe contains one single dose.
Kesimpta is given as a subcutaneous injection.
You’ll likely inject the first dose at your doctor’s office or a medical facility. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will guide you on how to inject Kesimpta. Then, you’ll continue Kesimpta treatment by giving injections to yourself at home. Another option is to have a caregiver inject the drug for you at home.
The recommended injection site for Kesimpta is the front of your thigh. Another option is your abdomen (belly). If you use your abdomen, do not inject Kesimpta within 2 inches of your belly button. If a caregiver injects your dose, your outer upper arm is also an option.
When choosing an injection site, it’s best not to inject the medication into scars, moles, or stretch marks. You should also avoid areas where your skin is bruised, scaly, tender, or hardened. You should use each Kesimpta pen or syringe only once.
The manufacturer’s website offers detailed instructions and a video on how to inject Kesimpta. If you have questions about how to use Kesimpta, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
For more information on how to store Kesimpta or dispose of a syringe or pen after use, see this article.
If you miss a dose of Kesimpta, you should take it as soon as possible. Then, the timing of your next dose depends on your whether you’re currently taking the loading (starting) or maintenance (ongoing) dosage.
- With the loading dosage of Kesimpta, you’ll usually take one injection per week for 3 weeks in a row. After taking your missed dose, ask your doctor when your next dose should be.
- The typical maintenance dosage of Kesimpta is one injection per month. After you take your missed dose, your next dose will be due 1 month later.
If you have any questions about when to take your next dose after a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you’re taking the loading dosage of Kesimpta, it’s helpful to inject your dose on the same day each week. For example, you may inject Kesimpta every Sunday.
If you’re taking the maintenance dosage of Kesimpta, you can inject your dose the same day each month, like the first of the month.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also put a note on your calendar or use a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t use more Kesimpta than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Kesimpta
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Kesimpta. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosage in this article is the typical dosage provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Kesimpta for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Kesimpta without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Kesimpta that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Kesimpta. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Kesimpta. For information about other aspects of Kesimpta, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Kesimpta, see the drug’s medication guide.
- Details about your condition. For details about multiple sclerosis (MS), Medical News Today’s MS hub may be helpful. You can also view this list of related articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.