If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and your doctor has prescribed Kesimpta, you have come to the right place! We will explain exactly how to store your medication properly, whether at home or when traveling.
To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment , it is very important that Kesimpta is stored correctly. Below you will find out everything you need to know about Kesimpta storage , how long it can be kept out of the refrigerator and how you can take it safely with you when you travel.
What is Kesimpta?
Kesimpta is a prescription drug and is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis . These include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS in adults. Kesimpta has been approved by the EMA in Germany since March 2021.
Ofatumumab is the active ingredient in Kesimpta. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 molecule found on the surface of B cells, a type of white blood cell. This binding inhibits the inflammatory process associated with multiple sclerosis, reducing the frequency of attacks and slowing the progression of physical impairments .
Kesimpta application
Patients can inject Kesimpta subcutaneously (under the skin) at home. The medication is available as pre-prepared single doses , each containing 20 mg of ofatumumab in 0.4 ml of solution. However, it is important to receive training from a doctor or nurse before using it for the first time so that you can administer the injections correctly.
In the beginning, you may need to administer a dose weekly for the first 3 weeks, after which it is usually only necessary once a month . It is very important that Kesimpta is only available with a doctor's certificate or prescription and should only be used under medical supervision.
Kesimpta storage
Ofatumumab , the active ingredient in Kesimpta , is very sensitive to temperature and light, similar to other injectable medicines , including insulin , Ozempic , Mounjaro or arthritis injections . Therefore, it is very important that the medicine is stored correctly to ensure effectiveness and safety.
storage instructions
The manufacturer Novartis recommends storing Kesimpta in the refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C .
It is also best to always keep the medication in its original packaging so that it is protected from light , including the light in the refrigerator.
The medicine must not be used if the syringe is damaged or has been dropped. Also, Kesimpta must never be shaken or frozen .
How long can Kesimpta be stored outside the refrigerator?
It can happen to anyone that they accidentally forget to put Kesimpta back in the fridge. But don't worry, the Kesimpta leaflet offers some flexibility, as the pens can be stored at room temperature up to 30°C for up to seven days .
It is very important to note, however, that Kesimpta must not be put back in the refrigerator once it has been taken out. If the pen has not been used within the next 7 days, it must be thrown away.
Having some leeway does not mean that you can leave your Kesimpta out of the fridge all the time without any problems. The best and safest way is to keep it in the fridge at all times . Under no circumstances should Kesimpta be exposed to temperatures above 30°C.
Traveling with Kesimpta
Traveling with injectable medications for multiple sclerosis, such as Kesimpta , Copaxone (article I sent you about copaxone), or Avonex, sounds harder than it is! It's all a matter of proper preparation and planning. Having the right supplies to refrigerate and store your medication while you're on the go will help you hit the road with ease and safety.
Medical cooling bags for Kesimpta
To ensure that your medication is always at the right temperature, a medical travel cooler bag is essential. All 4AllFamily coolers are specially made to keep medication safe and cool when traveling . Here we present the most popular model among Kesimpta injection users:
- The Nomad portable cooler bag is a popular choice for storing Kesimpta . Instead of electricity, it works with included biogel ice packs. Depending on the outside temperature, it will keep your Kesimpta injections at refrigerator temperature (2°C to 8°C) for up to 30 hours and below the safe threshold of 26°C for up to 48 hours.
At 4AllFamily, we specialize in making your journey with refrigerated medication as easy as possible. By understanding proper Kesimpta storage and transportation, you can contribute a lot to and be an active participant in your MS treatment.
Before you travel with Kesimpta
- Plan ahead: Research your destination's regulations regarding carrying medications.
- Pack Kesimpta in your hand luggage: When you fly, you should always carry Kesimpta in your hand luggage. Dangerous temperatures and pressures in the cargo hold could damage your medication.
- Carry a medical certificate: It is advisable to carry a letter from your doctor and a copy of the prescription to explain why you need to travel with Kesimpta, especially when traveling internationally.
- Keep the medication in its original packaging: When traveling, always keep your medication in its original packaging. This contains important information that may be requested by customs or airport security officials.
Similar article :Keeping medications cool when traveling: cool bags, cooled medications on airplanes, hand luggage and much more!
Remember that this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor. Have a good trip!
