Quick Answer: Kesimpta must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) and kept in its original packaging away from light. When traveling, use a medical-grade cooler. Kesimpta can stay at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days but should not be re-refrigerated.
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: At what temperatures should you keep refrigerated medications?
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 treatment involves self-injection at home under medical supervision. Here's what you need to know:
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Administration Method: Kesimpta is administered via subcutaneous injections (under the skin).
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Self-Injection: Patients are responsible for self-injecting the medication at home.
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Injection Device: It comes in prefilled, single-dose SensoReady injector pens containing 20 mg of ofatumumab in 0.4 mL solution.
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Training Required: Patients must receive training from their healthcare provider or nurse on how to properly inject Kesimpta.
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Injection Schedule: Kesimpta is typically injected once a month, but during the initial phase, one dose is administered weekly for the first three weeks.
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Important Warning: Kesimpta can only be delivered with a medical prescription. It must be used under the supervision of a professional healthcare provider. Never use Kesimpta without a doctor's advice.
Related article: How Long Can Refrigerated Medicines Be Left Out?
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?
While Kesimpta requires refrigeration, there is some flexibility if it's left out. Here are the key guidelines to follow:
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Room Temperature Allowance: Kesimpta pens can stay at room temperature, not exceeding 86°F (30°C), for up to 7 days.
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No Returning to Fridge: Once Kesimpta has been removed from the refrigerator, it should not be placed back in. If unused after 7 days, it must be discarded, even if the pen is still full.
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Occasional Exceptions Only: This flexibility is meant for occasional, short periods. Kesimpta should not be regularly stored outside of the refrigerator.
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Avoid High Temperatures: Kesimpta should never be exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C), even briefly, to maintain its effectiveness.
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:
Our newest travel coolers - RxCooler Max and Mini - are built for safe, reliable Trimix storage on the go. Both use USB power and biogel packs for flexible cooling and keep meds between 36-46°F (2-8°C).
The Mini is compact and perfect for short trips, while the Max offers extra capacity for extended travel. TSA-approved and travel-ready, they make managing your medication effortless wherever you go.
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.
Here are some other recommendations for traveling with Kesimpta:
- The Voyager: Your ultimate solution for portable medication refrigeration
- The Rambler: This small insulin travel case is compact, lightweight, and built to perform
- The Explorer: A 72h medicine travel cooler, that untites 3 cooling methods in one single cooler.
- The chillers: Compact cooling pouches, available in various sizes, that require no water or electricity. They use an innovative cooling technology to keep your medications safe.
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.
Related article: How to Travel with Refrigerated Drugs?
📌 Key Takeaways:
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❄️ Store Kesimpta in the refrigerator between 36°F (2°C) and 46°F (8°C) in its original packaging to protect from light.
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⏳ Kesimpta can stay at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for up to 7 days but should not be re-refrigerated.
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✈️ Traveling with Kesimpta requires a medical-grade cooler to maintain safe storage temperatures during trips.
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🧳 Always carry Kesimpta in your carry-on with a doctor's letter and keep it in original packaging when flying.
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✅ Proper Kesimpta storage is critical for maintaining the medication's effectiveness in treating multiple sclerosis (MS).
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You! 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!
📆 Article Update History:
✅ Updated: April 25, 2025
Originally Published: May 25, 2023
