The U.S. FDA approved ofatumumab on Oct 26, 2009. It is indicated to treat adult patients having relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).

It is indicated to treat adult patients having relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.

 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.