This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis
(MS). Ofatumumab belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal
antibodies. This medication is not a cure for MS but it is thought to help
by preventing immune system cells (lymphocytes) from attacking the nerves
in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of
disease worsening (relapses) and may prevent or delay
disability.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using ofatumumab and each time
you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use
this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Before starting treatment with this medication, your
doctor will test you for hepatitis B. If needed, treatment for hepatitis B
or other infections should be done before receiving this
medication.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor. The first 3 doses are usually given 1 week apart. Later
(maintenance) doses are usually given every 4 weeks. The injection is given
in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The dosage and treatment schedule are
based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 to 30
minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not
warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the
microwave or place it in hot water). Do not shake the medication. Before
using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is
present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin
you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol.
Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not
inject into moles, scars, stretch marks, or skin that is tender, bruised,
red, scaly, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site
after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies
safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection
site may occur. Other common injection side effects include fever,
headache, muscle ache, chills, and tiredness. These side effects usually
lessen after the first few injections. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
This drug may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver
disease. Also, if you have a current or past infection with hepatitis B,
this drug may cause the infection to return or worsen. This may occur
during treatment or after treatment is finished. Before starting treatment
with this medication, your doctor may order a test to see if you have
hepatitis B infection. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms
of liver damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- loss of appetite
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare
but very serious (possibly fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if you have any of
these side effects:
- clumsiness
- loss of coordination/balance
- weakness
- sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty
concentrating, memory loss)
- difficulty talking/walking
- seizure
- vision changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ofatumumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- past/current/recent infections
- liver disease (especially hepatitis B)
- immune system problems
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Ofatumumab can make you more likely to get infections or
may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your doctor your vaccine history and ask if you
need to get any vaccines before starting treatment with this medication.
Your doctor may direct you to have any required vaccines at least 2 to 4
weeks before starting this medication. Tell your health care professional
that you are using ofatumumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as
flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using ofatumumab. Ofatumumab
may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk
of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
liver function, immunoglobulin levels, tests for hepatitis B) should be
done before you start using this medication and while you are using it.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to use each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original package to protect from light. This medication
may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is
stored at room temperature, discard after 7 days. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).