A self-injected antibody for relapsing multiple sclerosis
Ofatumumab
A self-injected antibody used to reduce relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis by targeting certain immune cells.
What is Ofatumumab?
Ofatumumab is a specialist medicine used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, a condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves. It is an antibody that targets and clears certain immune cells, called B cells, that are involved in this damage, which reduces relapses and helps slow the disease. It is given as an injection under the skin that people usually do themselves at home after training. Because it affects the immune system, it can make infections more likely and needs monitoring, and checks are done before starting it.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Ofatumumab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Ofatumumab is a medicine used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, a long-term condition in which the immune system damages the protective coating around nerves, causing relapses with symptoms such as weakness, numbness or problems with vision and balance. It is a type of antibody, known as an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, that targets a particular kind of immune cell called a B cell. It is given as an injection under the skin, which people are trained to do themselves at home using a pre-filled pen, usually starting with a few closely spaced doses and then regular monthly injections. It is prescribed and supervised by a specialist neurology team.
How it works
In multiple sclerosis, immune cells, including B cells, play a part in attacking the protective covering of nerves, which disrupts the messages the nerves carry. Ofatumumab attaches to a marker called CD20 on the surface of these B cells, which leads to the cells being cleared from the blood. With fewer of these immune cells around to drive the attack, relapses become less frequent and the build-up of disability is slowed. Because the B cells gradually return, the medicine is given on a regular schedule to keep them suppressed and keep the disease under control.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist immune-targeting medicine used in the UK to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, given as a self-injection under the skin.
Practical use
How to take Ofatumumab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Give the injection under the skin yourself using the pre-filled pen, as your specialist team has trained you.
- Follow the schedule of a few closely spaced starting doses and then regular monthly injections.
- Expect possible flu-like reactions after early doses, which usually settle; tell your team if they are troublesome.
- Report signs of infection, such as fever, persistent cough or feeling generally unwell, promptly.
- Check before having any vaccinations, as some live vaccines should be avoided while on treatment.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Ofatumumab
Advantages
- Reduces relapses and helps slow disability in relapsing multiple sclerosis.
- Given as a self-injection at home rather than needing hospital infusions.
- Taken on a regular monthly schedule that fits into everyday life for many people.
Disadvantages
- Lowers part of the immune response, so it can make infections more likely.
- Commonly causes flu-like reactions around the time of the early injections.
- Needs checks before starting and ongoing monitoring, including for infections such as hepatitis B.
Practical use
Good to know
A practical advantage of ofatumumab is that it is a self-injection people give themselves at home, after training, rather than needing hospital infusions, with a few closely spaced starting doses followed by regular monthly injections. Reactions around the time of the injection, such as fever, headache, aches or chills, are common particularly with the first dose and usually settle. Because it lowers part of the immune response, it can make infections more likely, so signs of infection should be reported, and checks are done before starting, including for hepatitis B, which can reactivate. Vaccinations are best brought up to date before treatment, and some live vaccines should be avoided during it. The team monitors immune markers and overall health throughout treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to ofatumumab should not use it.
- It is not used in people with a serious active infection or with active hepatitis B.
- It is used with care, and the immune system of a baby may be affected, so pregnancy is discussed carefully with the specialist team.
Monitoring
- Checks before starting, including for hepatitis B and other infections, and to bring vaccinations up to date.
- Watching for signs of infection and reviewing immune markers during treatment.
- Reviewing how well relapses and the disease are being controlled over time.
Side effects
- Flu-like reactions after the injection, such as fever, headache, aches or chills, especially at first.
- Reactions where the injection is given, such as redness, pain or swelling.
- Infections, such as chest, urine or upper-airway infections, because the immune response is lowered.
- Rarely but seriously, serious infections or reactivation of hepatitis B, which is why checks are done first.
Key interactions
- It is generally not combined with other immune-suppressing medicines because of the added infection risk.
- Some live vaccines should be avoided during treatment, so plan vaccinations with your team.
- Tell your team about all your medicines so any added risks can be considered.
Available as: A solution for injection under the skin, given by the patient using a pre-filled pen.
Answers
Ofatumumab: frequently asked questions
What is ofatumumab used for?
It is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis by targeting and clearing certain immune cells, called B cells, that are involved in damaging the nerves, which reduces relapses.
Can I inject it myself?
Yes. After training from your specialist team, you give the injection yourself under the skin at home using a pre-filled pen.
Why do I feel flu-like after the injection?
Flu-like reactions such as fever, aches and chills are common, especially after the first doses, as the medicine acts on the immune system; they usually settle on their own.
Does it make infections more likely?
Yes. Because it lowers part of the immune response, it can make infections more likely, so report any fever, cough or feeling generally unwell to your team.
What checks are needed before starting?
Your team checks for hidden infections, including hepatitis B which can reactivate, and brings vaccinations up to date before you begin treatment.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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