Kesimpta and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2024

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Kesimpta in June 2024. The first shot of the loading doses caused severe flu symptoms, but the next two loading dose injection symptoms were mild. The first maintenance shot went well. The next two did not. Around 44 to 48 hours in, my blood pressure got dangerously high, and my heart rate was very high. I was told that since it happened 2 days after the injection, it was not Kesimpta-related. Quite frankly, I am afraid to take the October injection. I don’t know what to do. I do think the symptoms are Kesimpta-related."

• PGM...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "First injection a few days ago. Felt fine for the first few hours but then got a headache/chills. I wasn't too bothered, it was all pretty mild. But about six hours in, things got worse. Flu-like symptoms, but severe: fever, aches, chills worsened. I tried to go to bed and just stayed there until I had to get up for the toilet. This would’ve been about eight hours in. I couldn't stand on my own and struggled (with my partner's help) to get to/from the toilet. Managed to get back to the bed but had to pull my legs on as I just couldn't lift them. At that point, the chills/headache had gone but I was very hot. Finally, after about ten to eleven hours, things started to get better and I was even able to sleep. Got up once more (around twelve hours) and was able to do everything unaided. Completely fine in the morning. Very uncertain about doing any more as, frankly, it was frightening."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "The first three doses gave me flu-like symptoms and migraines. I felt like I was improving…at first. Less falls, and better balance. However, after taking August’s monthly injection around the 1st, I developed a kidney infection. Because I was in so much pain, extremely weak, with week-long diarrhea, the ER gave me IV antibiotics and a bag of fluids. I’ve been through two rounds of oral antibiotics, yet it’s 9/20 and I can’t seem to shake this infection. I’m drinking plenty of fluids, like 4 full Yeti cups of water mixed with cranberry juice, but my urine output is low, I’m swollen all over, and I have flank pain with extreme fatigue. My neurologist visit is this Thursday…9/20. Honestly, I’m uneasy about what’s happening to me. None of these issues before Kesimpta. September’s injection is still in the fridge. Ask lots of questions if you’re offered this treatment…wish I had!"

• My...
• October 23, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with RRMS in March 2021 and went with Kesimpta as my first treatment. The loading doses were rough: flu-like symptoms, incontinence, extreme fatigue. I did have a flare in between the 2nd and 3rd loading doses. I almost fell while on the treadmill and had trouble walking around my house. I also had other new symptoms, which prompted an emergency brain MRI. My neuro said my body may have been adjusting to the med change, so I continued on the monthly injections to this day. Annual brain and spine MRIs this year showed no new lesions, atrophy, or black holes. The main symptom was extreme fatigue, usually the week before my next shot. It used to be a lot worse in that I would have to take that week off from working out, which is a big deal for me, as exercise is very important to me. Now I am able to work out 5-6 days per week and I love it. Of course, I still have the usual daily fatigue and other symptoms that come with MS, but I am able to still work, exercise, drive, etc."

• Ter...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "Started in late Jan. Got sick (fever, flu-like symptoms) only after the 1st dose and have had no problems since then. I do take ibuprofen and Benadryl 1 hour before injection, and I inject at night right before bed. Too soon to know if it's working, but very easy to take."

• eli...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2024

For Multiple Sclerosis "First dose - horrible flu-like symptoms with fever. Tylenol helped. After the first dose, it was better with no noticeable side effects. I have taken it for close to a year. Over time, I realized it is likely triggering heart arrhythmias. I seem to have less pain when I take it. Other than that, I don't know for sure if it is helping or not."

• Wen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Kesimpta for 6 months now and have had just the flu-like symptoms for the day and then nothing else. The shot is so easy to take."