Kesimpta (Ofatumumab) Treatment:
A Current Approach to MS Treatment and Patient Follow-up
Kesimpta (active ingredient: ofatumumab) is one of the high-efficacy biological treatments used for relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (RMS). It targets certain B lymphocytes involved in the immune system to reduce the inflammation caused by the disease.
What Is Kesimpta (Ofatumumab)?
Having become an important option in MS treatment in recent years, Kesimpta offers many patients a practical advantage because it is an injection that can be given at home.
The main goals of treatment are:
- Reducing new relapses
- Preventing new lesions in the brain and spinal cord
- Controlling disease activity
- Reducing long-term neurological damage
Which Patients Is Kesimpta Used For?
Kesimpta is a treatment option used particularly in patients with relapsing forms of MS.
Treatment may be considered in the following situations:
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Clinically isolated syndrome (in suitable patients)
- Active MS
- Patients with new lesions on MRI
- Patients not adequately controlled by previous treatments
As every patient’s clinical situation is different, the treatment decision should be made after an individual evaluation.
How Does Kesimpta Work?
In MS the immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system.
Kesimpta targets B cells carrying a surface protein called CD20. By reducing these cells:
- Inflammation is suppressed
- New lesion formation decreases
- The risk of relapse falls
- Disease activity can be controlled
Because of this mechanism, Kesimpta is considered one of the high-efficacy MS treatments today.
How Is Kesimpta Given?
Kesimpta is an injection given under the skin.
At the start of treatment:
- Week 0
- Week 1
- Week 2
loading doses are given (one injection per week).
After that:
- Once a month
treatment continues with this dose.
After training, the injection can usually be given at home by the patient or a relative.
For many patients this can reduce hospital visits.
What Are the Advantages of Kesimpta?
High Effectiveness
Clinical studies have shown:
- A marked reduction in relapse rates
- Fewer new MRI lesions
- Control of disease activity
Can Be Used at Home
One of the main advantages of Kesimpta is that it does not require hospital admission or infusion.
Many patients can give the treatment at home.
Regular, Continuous Protection
Monthly dosing provides a continuous effect on the immune system.
Possible Side Effects of Kesimpta
As with any treatment, side effects may occur with Kesimpta.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- Redness at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mild infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Some patients may develop flu-like symptoms after the first dose.
Serious side effects are rarer, but regular follow-up is necessary.
What Tests Are Done Before Kesimpta?
A detailed evaluation should be made before treatment.
Usually the following are requested:
- Complete blood count
- Liver function tests
- Hepatitis screening
- Immune system assessment
- Infection screening when needed
- An up-to-date MRI
These evaluations are important for planning treatment safely.
Why Is MRI Follow-up Needed on Kesimpta?
In MS, evaluating symptoms alone is not enough.
Some patients may develop disease activity that is clinically silent but visible on MRI.
Regular MRI scans are therefore performed to:
- Assess treatment effectiveness
- Detect new lesions
- Monitor disease activity
- Plan a change of treatment when needed
What Is the Difference Between Kesimpta and Ocrevus?
Kesimpta and Ocrevus are high-efficacy treatments that target similar immune cells.
However, they are given differently.
Kesimpta
- Subcutaneous injection
- Can be given at home
- Monthly use
Ocrevus
- Intravenous infusion
- Given in hospital
- Given every 6 months
Which treatment is more suitable depends on the patient’s clinical features.
Treatment choice should therefore be personalised.
Pregnancy Planning on Kesimpta
For women planning a pregnancy, the treatment strategy should be evaluated specifically.
Treatment timing, the time needed after stopping the drug and the postpartum period should be planned individually.
Patients planning a pregnancy are therefore advised to make treatment decisions together with their neurologist.
Is Kesimpta Suitable for Every Patient?
No.
The right drug in MS may be different for each patient.
When choosing treatment, the following are considered together:
- Type of disease
- Disease activity
- MRI findings
- Previous treatments
- Age
- Pregnancy plans
- Other conditions
The choice of medicine must therefore always be individualised.
Kesimpta Treatment Evaluation with Prof. Dr. Emin Özcan
With his experience in Multiple Sclerosis and neuroimmunological diseases, Prof. Dr. Emin Özcan carries out suitability assessments for Kesimpta, second opinions, treatment planning and long-term patient follow-up.
Treatment decisions take into account not only current symptoms but also MRI findings, disease activity, life plans and long-term goals.
The aim is to determine the most appropriate, individualised treatment plan for each patient based on scientific evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kesimpta cure MS completely?
No, but it can reduce disease activity and help achieve long-term control.
Can Kesimpta be used at home?
Yes. After proper training, many patients can give the treatment at home.
How often is Kesimpta used?
After the initial doses it is usually given once a month.
Does Kesimpta cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not among the commonly reported side effects.
Is MRI done while using Kesimpta?
Yes. Regular MRI follow-up is done to assess treatment effectiveness.
Is Kesimpta or Ocrevus more effective?
Both are high-efficacy options. Which is more suitable depends on the patient’s clinical features.
Can I get a second opinion before starting Kesimpta?
Yes. A second opinion can be helpful, especially if a change of treatment is planned or different options are being considered.
