This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved ofatumumab on Oct 26, 2009. It is indicated to treat adult patients having relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).
Mechanism of Action of undefined
In multiple sclerosis, the B cells (a type of white blood cell) which are a part of the immune system, attack the protective layer surrounding the nerve cells along with the immune system. Ofatumumab produces its effect by targeting and attaching to CD20 on the B cells (white blood cells) surface and causes cell lysis and depletion. This in turn reduces the chances of multiple sclerosis relapse, relieves its symptoms and slows down the disease progression.
Uses of undefined
It is indicated to treat adult patients having relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).
undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available
The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in the vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined
Warnings
Ofatumumab might be unsafe during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are planning to get pregnant then consult with your doctor before starting treatment with this medication. Effective contraception is to be followed while using this medication and must be used up to 6 months after the last dose. If you have used this medication while being pregnant, then consult your doctor for advice before getting your new born baby vaccinated.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you have any immune system problems, cancer, or any severe infection or if you are planning on getting vaccinated before starting treatment with this medication. If you have or had hepatitis B infection, then inform your doctor before you start treatment with this medication as this medication might cause the hepatitis B virus to become active again. Ofatumumab might be unsafe during breastfeeding as this medication can pass into the breast milk. Consult your doctor regarding any breastfeeding concerns you have before starting treatment with this medication.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with ofatumumab upper respiratory tract infections (sore throat and runny nose), urinary tract infections, decrease in the level of immunoglobulin M protein in the blood, oral herpes, pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site.
Word Of Advice
If you have used Ofatumumab while being pregnant, then consult your doctor for advice before getting your new born baby vaccinated. If you feel your multiple sclerosis condition is worsening (like weakness or vision changes), or if you experience any new unusual symptoms while using this medication, then inform your doctor immediately. Fever, headache, muscle pain, chills and fatigue are common side effects that might occur while using this medication.
Frequently Asked Question
References
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2022] [Accessed on 20th August 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12433.pdf
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on August 2020], [ Accessed on 20th August 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/125326s070lbl.pdf
- Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1227-1229.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.
