Have you been prescribed Kesimpta? Are you struggling with understanding how to store and travel with your injections? Then you've come to the right place!
Storing your medication correctly is key to the effectiveness of your multiple sclerosis treatment. Indeed, when not properly stored and refrigerated, Kesimpta quickly loses its potency.
So, here’s a helpful and comprehensive guide on Kesimpta storage: how to store it the best way, how long it can be out of the fridge, and how to transport it safely when traveling.
Related article: How to Store Copaxone at Home & While Traveling?
What is Kesimpta?
Kesimpta is an FDA-approved prescription medication for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults.
It contains the active drug ofatumumab, a monoclonal antibody that is believed to work by targeting the CD20 molecule found on the surface of B cells, a type of white blood cell. By doing this, ofatumumab limits the inflammatory process associated with MS, thus reducing the frequency of relapses and delaying the progression of physical disability.
How is Kesimpta administered?
Kesimpta is administered via subcutaneous injections (under the skin). Patients are responsible for self-injecting the medication at home. It comes in easy-to-use prefilled, single-dose, SensoReady injector pens containing 20 mg of ofatumumab in 0.4 mL solution. Patients must receive training from their healthcare provider or nurse on how to inject Kesimpta.
Kesimpta is typically injected once a month, although at the beginning, you may have to give yourself one dose per week for the first three weeks.
Warning: Kesimpta can only be delivered with a medical prescription. It should be used under the supervision of a professional healthcare provider. Never use Kesimpta without a doctor's advice.
Related article: How to Use and Store Your Avonex Pens?
How to Store Kesimpta
As mentioned above, properly storing Kesimpta is critical to maintaining its effectiveness.
Like most injectable drugs, including insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, arthritis injections, and many others, ofatumumab, is a biologic that’s very sensitive to heat and light. Therefore, failure to follow storage instructions can seriously impact the success of your multiple sclerosis treatment.
Storage instructions
According to Novartis, the manufacturer of Kesimpta, Kesimpta should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you’re ready to use it.
Additionally, it’s best to keep it in its original carton to protect it from light.
The prefilled injection pen should not be frozen or shaken. In addition, the medicine should not be used if it has been dropped or damaged.
How long can Kesimpta be out of the fridge?
If you accidentally leave Kesimpta out of the refrigerator, don't panic. Fortunately, the storage instructions allow for some flexibility, as your Kesimpta pens can stay at room temperature, not exceeding 86°F (30°C), for up to 7 days.
However, once Kesimpta has been removed from the refrigerator, it should not be returned. If you don’t use it within 7 days, you must throw it away, even if there’s still medicine inside.
Keep in mind that this flexibility doesn't mean you should regularly keep Kesimpta out of the fridge for extended periods. It's always best to store it in the refrigerator, and situations where it’s left unrefrigerated must be short and occasional. In no case should your Kesimpta pens be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C), even briefly.
How to Travel with Kesimpta
Traveling with multiple sclerosis injectable medications like Kesimpta, Copaxone, or Avonex can feel a bit daunting, especially when they require refrigeration and such strict storage temperatures and conditions. However, it can be done seamlessly and safely with the right planning and accessories.
Related article: Tips for Traveling With Multiple Sclerosis: Embrace Adventure Safely!
Medical travel coolers for Kesimpta
A medical-grade travel cooler is an essential item when traveling with Kesimpta and other refrigerated drugs. It's the only way to guarantee your injections are safe and kept at the right temperature wherever you go.
There are many travel coolers available, like those at 4AllFamily, specifically designed for transporting medications that need to stay cold. Here are two of the most popular ones among people using Kesimpta injections:
The Pioneer Travel Drug Refrigerator can maintain your Kesimpta injector pens at fridge temperature for 10-12 hours when running on battery (with an extended 10-12 hours per extra battery pack). When plugged into any power source (USB car cigarette lighter, portable solar panel, travel power bank, etc.), it works like an actual mini fridge for an unlimited time.
It's ideal for carrying Kesimpta when traveling for more than 7 days, as your medication can’t stay unrefrigerated for that long.
The Nomad Portable Cooler is another popular choice for Kesimpta. It works with biogel freeze packs (included) rather than electricity. Depending on the outside temperature, it keeps your Kesimpta injections at fridge temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) for up to 30 hours and below the safe threshold of 80°F (26°C) for up to 48 hours.
By understanding Kesimpta, its storage, and how to travel with it, you can take an active role in managing your MS treatment. At 4AllFamily, we're dedicated to providing you with the resources you need to make this journey as smooth as possible.
Before taking off with Kesimpta!
- Plan ahead: Research your destination's rules about carrying medication.
- Pack Kesimpta in your carry-on: If you're flying, always pack your medication in your carry-on bags. Hazardous temperature and atmospheric conditions in the hold could damage your medicine.
- Carry a doctor's letter: It's a good idea to have a letter from your healthcare provider and a copy of your prescription explaining why you must travel with Kesimpta, especially if you're traveling internationally.
- Keep it in original packaging: Always keep your drugs in their original packaging when traveling. It contains important information that customs or airport security agents may require.
Remember, this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, we highly recommend you speak with your healthcare provider.
Safe travels!
