Ofatumumab and Chills: 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."

• Kes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 19, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I'm on the 7th month of Kesimpta. I was 2 days late for the injection. I got severe, agonizing chills, body pain, and migraine, worse than the loading dose. A week before the injection, usually my best time, my heart rate went down so low I was afraid to go to sleep, my urine was dark even when drinking lots of water, and my body hurt. I wish doctors would approach prescribing Kesimpta with these side effects in mind. It feels condescending to be told that these side effects are acceptable and don't require anything beyond ibuprofen. If I had to do this more than once a month, I'd quit. Bimonthly dosing would be great. I'm worried about my organs. I haven't had an MS flare since starting, but the injection itself is worse than having one. I'm getting an MRI in 3 months, and I'll know if I should stay on it. The only reason I recommend it is that there aren't incapacitating stomach effects like Tecfidera or multiple injections like Copaxone."

• Cc1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "First time taking my Kesimpta injection last night, it was painless and was fine for the first hour. After 1 hour, I had chills and back pain. After 4 hours, I had a fever that got to 101.09 and went to bed using an ice pack. That helped and took the fever down. The next morning, I felt 100%, but I have itching on my face. Going to call the doctor to see if this is serious. Hope everyone is doing well, and good luck."

• Bir...
• July 23, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "On my 1st dose, chills, nausea, vomiting. Will not be taking again."