Ofatumumab and Fever: 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I completed Kesimpta’s three loading doses in November of 2022. For each injection, I took one Tylenol, one Benadryl, and a Pepcid later on - I think this definitely helped with the fever, body aches, and nausea. I was previously on Ocrevus but was unable to walk out of the facility after my last infusion (I had switched from the 6/7 hour infusion to the 4 hour one). I didn’t take any disease-modifying drugs for the next year until Kesimpta in November 2022 at the suggestion of a neuro. My lymph nodes in my neck/jaw have been swollen since November 8 (date of first injection), and I have had different infections since (a double ear infection, recurring upper respiratory infections). I feel like I always have a mild fever and am kind of miserable now, haha. I’ve also lost my voice several times, which is the first time that’s happened in my life! My lymph nodes are swollen to the point that it is also making it painful to speak. 0/10"

• Inf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 9, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "Just some advice for the first injection: if and when fever spikes, use ice packs under your arms and a cooling vest. I didn’t do this until my other half called the nurse in the family. The first injection is the only one I have had any issues with. And I have had well over 2 years' worth of injections. Still good days and bad days. Pretty stable and improved MRI activity. Best of luck to those beginning Kesimpta and continuing treatment."

• 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."

• 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."

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

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Kesimpta for 10 months so far. I recently had more scans and found out that I had new lesions and have developed numerous black holes throughout my brain. The damage may have occurred prior to starting treatment, but overall I do feel a bit better, so I am continuing treatment. The only side effects have been fatigue and fever for 3-5 days after injection."