Hi,
This is my first post on here and I’m really hoping to hear from anyone who has experience with taking Kesimpta and how it’s affected their immunity to general colds/viruses.
I was diagnosed in March this year with RRMS after an episode of Optic Neuritis in September and having RIS for three years previously.
I’m considering taking Kesimpta as I feel it will work for me in so many ways but I’m slightly concerned about how it will affect my immunity. I’m a Teaching Assistant working with the 3 and 4 year olds who, love them bring a lot of exposure to viruses.
My neurologist has said it’s not a concern but the MS nurse is more concerned.
So I thought I’d try and get a third perspective on it.
Thanks,
Jenny
Hi Jenny
Although I can’t answer the question asked as I have just done my first injection on Thursday
I know everyone is different but side effects I was advised would be like headache
Aches and pains
Flu like symptoms
Sore throat
Well Thursday night I had violent shakes and shivers that I have never experienced before
Also burning hot
I thought I had gone into septic shock
All symptoms I had last year all returned for a visit although short lived - whilst going through it felt longer
So 6 hours of all this and lots of de ja vue feelings
It’s now sat and I didn’t sleep too good last night - jerking awake and back pain where I couldn’t get comfortable
I have to have the second one this next Thursday
Now I don’t know if I’m just being a wimp but I think if the same happens it will be enough to put me off totally
I will update as I go along and see what happens with my immunity
But it is going to drop.
Working with children I think your MS nurse is right to be concerned but all the DMTs reduce your immunity
With the injection it’s the mature cells that are targeted so young cells will stay giving some
Protection
Well that’s my understanding
Think and discuss it more until your sure
Anyone else started this one ? If yes how are you getting on ?
Shelly x
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for your reply, I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough first experience. I really hope your second dose is much better for you.
From what I’ve read on other forums, it does sound like the loading doses (the initial weekly ones) seem to hit quiet hard but then the symptoms get better once it’s monthly. Hopefully this will be the case for you.
I’m waiting for the blood results to come back and will hopefully speak again to the MS Nurse to discuss them and the immunity concern.
Good luck with your second dose, I’ll have my fingers crossed for a better experience for you.
Jenny
I have just been recommended this and have similar concerns. Any other thoughts from other users?
Hi Shelly,
I have been offered Kesimpta or Ocrevus.
How has your second dose been?
Hi there
Sorry I didn’t get notified re any comments
So I’ve completed dose 2 and 3 with no issues
I took advice from others posting by taking paracetamol half hour before the injection , I take antihistamine every morning now
I did injection at 7pm and went to bed usual time at 9:30 to 10 pm
Slept all night no side effects
Apparently the first injection starts killing the target cells and they enter the blood stream which causes all the side effects ( this is what someone on another group advised )
Today is my week off before I inject next Thursday and then I’ll be monthly after this
I’ve kept to my usual routine and get up at same time every day
I try and have a walk every day with my dog but just around my local area and nothing like the hikes I used to do
I still have days feeling wobbly on my legs but not any worse
I try and eat healthy and drink lots of water every day
I hope your all doing ok and whatever decision you make going forward
The injections take seconds , I do mine in my thigh and no issues - slight bruise after no 3
The injection is very easy to do
Let me know how you are getting along
Take good care
Xx