Starting Kesimpta (ofatumumab)Your first 90 days with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS): the steps, the dates and who to call

How you take it

A shot under the skin with a pen. You get 1 shot a week for 3 weeks, skip a week, then get 1 shot a month. Your first shot should be done with help from a trained health worker.

Before your first dose

• A blood test for hepatitis B. You cannot start Kesimpta if you have an active hepatitis B infection.
• Blood tests of your antibody levels and your liver.
• Any live vaccines at least 4 weeks before your first shot. Other vaccines at least 2 weeks before, if you can.
• Tell your doctor about every medicine that affects your immune system, including steroids and other MS medicines.
• You or your doctor's office sign up with Novartis Patient Support. Call 1-855-537-4678 for help with insurance.
• Your insurance approves the medicine. With private insurance, you may pay as little as $0.

The first 90 days

1. Before the first doseEnrollment and the insurance check
2. Before the first doseHepatitis B, antibody and liver tests
3. At least 4 weeks beforeLast day for live vaccines, 4 weeks before day 1
4. At least 2 weeks beforeLast day for other vaccines, if you can
5. Once approvedApproval, then the pen arrives
6. Day 1Day 1: first shot, with a trained health worker helping
7. Within 24 hoursInjection reactions are most common after the first dose
8. Day 8Second starter dose, 20mg (week 1)
9. Day 15Third starter dose, 20mg (week 2)
10. Week 3Week 3: no shot this week
11. Day 29Day 29: first monthly shot
12. About 1 month later, then every 30 daysMonthly dose and the next pen
13. Week 12B cells are down