Kesimpta Side Effects
Generic name: ofatumumab
Note: This document contains side effect information about ofatumumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Kesimpta.
Applies to ofatumumab: solution.
Warning
Intravenous route (Solution)
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including ofatumumab, in some cases resulting in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure, and death. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) resulting in death can occur in patients receiving CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies, including ofatumumab.
Serious side effects of Kesimpta
Along with its needed effects, ofatumumab (the active ingredient contained in Kesimpta) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ofatumumab:
More common
- Black, tarry stools
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- blurred vision
- body aches or pain
- chest pain or tightness
- chills
- confusion
- cough producing mucus
- difficult or labored breathing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- ear congestion
- facial swelling
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of warmth
- headache
- hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
- increased sweating
- lightheadedness
- loss of voice
- lower back or side pain
- nausea or vomiting
- painful blisters on the trunk of the body
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- rapid, shallow breathing
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- tingling of the hands or feet
- trouble breathing
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- unusual weight gain or loss
Less common
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow heartbeat
Incidence not known
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- dark urine
- diarrhea
- fluid-filled skin blisters
- joint or muscle pain
- light-colored stools
- no blood pressure or pulse
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- sensitivity to the sun
- skin thinness
- stopping of heart
- unconsciousness
- yellow eyes or skin
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ofatumumab:
More common
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- dryness or soreness of throat
- ear congestion
- fever
- flushing, redness of skin
- frequent urge to urinate
- hoarseness
- joint pain
- loss of voice
- lower back or side pain
- muscle aches
- pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
- pain, itching, swelling of the skin
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- stuffy or runny nose
- sweating
- swollen joints
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- trouble in swallowing
- unusually warm skin
- voice changes
- vomiting
Other side effects of Kesimpta
Some side effects of ofatumumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Back pain
- muscle aches
- redness of the skin
- trouble sleeping
Less common
- Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
- muscle spasms
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
Frequently asked questions
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- Is Kesimpta better than Ocrevus?
- What are 8 key Kesimpta side effects to watch out for?
- How is Arzerra administered and how long to work?
More about Kesimpta (ofatumumab)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (61)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: CD20 monoclonal antibodies
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
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Related treatment guides
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp 2006.
3. Product Information. Arzerra (ofatumumab). GlaxoSmithKline. 2009.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
