Kesimpta and Headaches: What Users Say

• PJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I took my first dose last Friday and really don't want to take the 2nd dose tomorrow. I took Kesimpta around 2 pm and by 6 pm I was having chills and shaking that got worse. What really bothered me was the fever. I didn't have a thermometer, but it was so bad that my vision was very blurry, I had a severe headache, was throwing up, my right leg went numb, I peed myself, my heartbeat was pounding and super-fast, couldn't get off the floor for hours. I'm 55 and live by myself, so I was scared. Don't like this medicine!"

• 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."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "The 1st dose was rough for the loading dose. 1st one, I experienced chills and shakes that were uncontrollable. The absolute worst headache I have ever experienced, and I felt like I needed to vomit but couldn't. Taken at 1900, awoke at 2300, and I wasn't able to fall asleep again until 0400. Did not want to take the next dose, but did. Minor headache, no chills, taken at 1900, headache woke me at 0300, but I was able to get up and take acetaminophen and back to bed. 3rd dose, I had read about taking Benadryl 1 hour prior to dosing with acetaminophen. Taken meds at 1800, dosed at 1900. Woke about 0330, but was able to drink some water and went back to bed. By the 3rd dosing, I believe I was acclimated to the drug, but I am worried about a repeat of the 1st experience now that it is going to go to monthly. I do not see improvements in symptoms, e.g., fatigue, room spinning, tingling in arms and legs. I will update after about 6 months of injection."

• Moh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "Just taken my first shot of Kesimpta. I got the explained chills and headache, but I woke up in the middle of the night to use the toilet and couldn't feel my legs. I couldn't walk nor crawl. With assistance, I did what I had to do and checked my heart rate, which was over 140 BPM. I'm in a dilemma to take my second shot, but will seek advice from the MS team."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "1st dose was November 9th, no issues! I had a mild headache the next day, but I always get headaches. I already deal with chronic fatigue, pain, and numbness, so no noticeable changes to that! I actually got a burst of energy for about 4-5 days, so that was awesome! I was on Ocrevus for 3.5 years and was sick of the 6-hour infusions, so I asked to switch! The next dose is December 9th! I'm extremely happy that I switched! I'm so sorry for everyone that has had horrible reactions! Take care to all you MS'ers out there!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2024

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have completed the first four injections. Based on everything I read, I was extremely worried about severe side effects. However, I was astonished at what a mild experience I have had. For me, the side effects have been more minimal than after a flu vaccine. I felt a bit more tired and had a headache. That was it. I injected on a Friday night, I felt a bit weak on Saturday. Sunday improved and Monday I was good to go to work. If I had known this, I would've started the medication many months earlier. It was negative reviews that put fear into me. This is just my experience, but so far I would recommend it. My doctor has scheduled an MRI for three months after I started the medication, and hopefully, it will show that it's working!"

• LuL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have taken my first dose two days ago. Due to COVID, insurance, and medication shortage, I was without any medication for 7 months. Begged for a steroid treatment, which I hate, and my neurologist wouldn’t do it. I have been nauseous, with a mild headache, very tired, and HOT! It’s humid here (SC), and the night sweats were so bad. The reviews have been helpful. I will know more when I get to my second and third dose. Not given up yet. Keep your fingers crossed!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Kesimpta for 2 years. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. Pros are it was only one jab a month after the initial start-up jabs. Minimally impacts my life, and it’s quick and simple. Cons are that it stings when I do the injection, and I immediately get a 24-hour headache the minute it hits my system. I do get a little more poorly if I get an infection."

• Che...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 13, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "Haven’t had any side effects or relapses with Kesimpta. I do have headaches and aches/pains, but they were there before Kesimpta. Easy to use, feeling positive about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "My experience with Kesimpta was felt that I had the flu, had some body aches, slight headache, and sweating."