COVID-19 FAQs

Some things you may be wondering about
COVID-19

These are uncertain times. Of course it will raise some questions.

We want to make sure you have access to information about the COVID-19 outbreak, so we have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

We're closely monitoring the situation and want to make sure you're staying safe. Please take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, and don't hesitate to reach out to your health care team with questions or concerns.

You can also reach out to 1-888-NOW-NOVA (1-888-669-6682), 8:30 AM–5:00 PM ET, Monday–Friday.

To learn more about how Novartis is responding to COVID-19, visit novartis.com/coronavirus

Taking KESIMPTA®

Is it okay to continue using KESIMPTA during this time?

We believe that treatment decisions should be made between you and your health care teams, so please do not stop taking KESIMPTA without talking to your neurologist or medical professional about any questions you may have.

More information about COVID-19 can be found from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additional patient resources are available through these patient advocacy groups:

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
National Multiple Sclerosis Society

How can I take extra precautions against COVID-19 if I'm taking KESIMPTA?

Don't make any changes to your medication routine that aren't directed by your doctor. Otherwise, follow the general safety and hygiene guidelines from the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include handwashing, social distancing, wearing a mask, and cleaning surfaces.

If I am immunocompromised or currently taking KESIMPTA, am I at higher risk of getting COVID-19?

While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not made any specific warnings for people on immunosuppressant therapies as it relates to COVID-19 at the time this website was published, KESIMPTA is an immunosuppressant and may contribute to a higher risk or severity of infections because of its suppressive effect on the immune system. Every person has different risks and medical conditions.

It's important to take precautions to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and to seek medical care if you think you've been infected. Talk to your doctor or health care team about any concerns you have about your health.

Additional patient resources are available through these patient advocacy groups:

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
National Multiple Sclerosis Society

COVID-19 Vaccines and KESIMPTA

Should I get my COVID-19 vaccine before I start taking KESIMPTA?

It's completely understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you're about to start taking KESIMPTA. Vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines are an important part of public health.

As of December 2021, the available COVID-19 vaccines are inactivated, or "non-live," vaccines. Whenever possible, you should wait at least 2 weeks after getting an inactivated or "non-live" vaccine to begin taking KESIMPTA.

The KESIMPTA Prescribing Information does not advise against administering inactivated vaccines while on treatment; however, KESIMPTA may interfere with the effectiveness of inactivated vaccines. Your doctor may want to consider an assessment of your immune response after taking the vaccine to confirm it was effective.

You should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines available to you and how they may affect when you can begin your new treatment.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov, and search: COVID-19 vaccines.

I'm taking KESIMPTA. Is it OK to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

It's completely understandable to have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines are an important part of public health.

As of December 2021, the available COVID-19 vaccines are inactivated, or "non-live," vaccines. The KESIMPTA Prescribing Information does not advise against administering inactivated vaccines while on treatment; however, KESIMPTA may interfere with the effectiveness of inactivated vaccines. Your doctor may want to consider an assessment of your immune response after taking the vaccine to confirm it was effective.

You should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine while taking KESIMPTA.

We believe that treatment decisions should be made between you and your health care teams, so please do not stop taking KESIMPTA without first talking to your doctor about any questions you may have.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines.

Do you know if the COVID-19 vaccines affect the safety and efficacy of my KESIMPTA?

Adverse interactions between COVID-19 vaccines and KESIMPTA are not known.

Vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines are an important part of public health. So, you should talk to your doctor to better understand the types of vaccines available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine while taking KESIMPTA.

We believe that treatment decisions should be made between you and your health care teams, so please do not stop taking KESIMPTA without first talking to your doctor about any questions you may have.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines.

Where can I get more information about the COVID-19 vaccines and KESIMPTA?

Studies of vaccine response with KESIMPTA are in progress.

Vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines are an important part of public health. Novartis is sharing the most up-to-date information regarding its medicines with your doctor. If you have questions, it's a good idea to check in with them to better understand the types of vaccines available to you and how to manage getting a vaccine while taking KESIMPTA.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov and search: COVID-19 vaccines.

Paying For and Getting KESIMPTA

Will I be able to get my KESIMPTA during this time?

At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption in product supply. We are confident that our existing stock is sufficient to cover production and distribution needs.

If you have concerns about your medication and COVID-19, please reach out to your health care team for further assistance.

Should I get an emergency supply of KESIMPTA?

While Novartis does not anticipate any supply shortages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to get an extra supply of all essential medications. Reach out to your health care team or pharmacy to arrange this.

For more information about CDC recommendations for staying safe during this outbreak, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

What if my financial situation has changed due to loss of employment or health insurance?

We understand these are trying times, and Novartis is committed to making your medication accessible and affordable. If your insurance plan is changing, or you are wondering about your co-pay, you can call Alongside™ KESIMPTA at 1-855-KESIMPTA (1-855-537-4678), 8:30 AM–8:00 PM ET, Mon–Fri. We can help you figure out your options to help make KESIMPTA more affordable.

You could pay as little as $0 for your monthly KESIMPTA prescriptions through the co-pay program* if you have commercial or private prescription insurance. Click here or call 1-855-KESIMPTA (1-855-537-4678), 8:30 AM–8:00 PM ET, Mon–Fri.

Get up to 12 months of KESIMPTA for free. If you have commercial or private insurance and your prescription coverage isn't initially approved, you may get up to 12 months of KESIMPTA for free through Alongside KESIMPTA while we work with your health care provider to try to secure coverage.

Visit the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (NPAF), if you have limited or no prescription coverage or cannot afford your medication due to employment loss. You may be eligible to receive Novartis medications for free. Learn more at the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation.

*Limitations apply. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state health insurance program. Patients with commercial insurance coverage for KESIMPTA may receive up to $18,000 in annual co-pay benefits. Patients with commercial insurance and an initial denial of coverage may receive up to 12 months of free product while coverage is pursued. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions at start.kesimpta.com.
Bridge Program: Must have commercial insurance, a valid prescription for KESIMPTA, and a denial of insurance coverage based on a prior authorization requirement to qualify. Eligible patients may receive a monthly maintenance dose for up to 12 months or until insurance coverage approval, whichever occurs first. Not available to patients whose medications are reimbursed in whole or in part by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, DoD or any other federal or state program, or where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Program is not health insurance, nor is participation a guarantee of insurance coverage. Other limitations may apply. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke or amend this Program without notice.

How will I hear from Novartis if the situation changes?

We are committed to keeping the relapsing MS community up to date during this uncertain time. If there are any changes, we will reach out via phone/email. You can also follow KESIMPTA on Facebook to see the latest information.

Visiting My Doctor

Is it safe to visit my doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We believe that treatment decisions should be made with your doctor. Every individual's medical condition and history are different, and only your health care provider can decide what is right for you in light of COVID-19.

Be sure to call ahead before visiting your doctor. Keep in mind, some health care providers may have adopted phone or video chats (also called telemedicine) as a way to safely meet with patients.

For details regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Pay as little as $0 co-pay* & enroll in the
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Pay as little as $0 co-pay* &
enroll in the Alongside™
KESIMPTA Support Program.

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MS, multiple sclerosis; RMS, relapsing multiple sclerosis.

*Limitations apply. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state health insurance program. Patients with commercial insurance coverage for KESIMPTA may receive up to $18,000 in annual co-pay benefits. Patients with commercial insurance and an initial denial of coverage may receive up to 12 months of free product while coverage is pursued. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions at start.kesimpta.com.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take KESIMPTA?

Do NOT take KESIMPTA if you:

  • have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

  • have had an allergic reaction to ofatumumab or life-threatening

INDICATION

What is KESIMPTA (ofatumumab) injection?

KESIMPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

KESIMPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & INDICATION

INDICATION

What is KESIMPTA (ofatumumab) injection?

KESIMPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

It is not known if KESIMPTA is safe or effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take KESIMPTA?

Do NOT take KESIMPTA if you:

  • have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

  • have had an allergic reaction to ofatumumab or life-threatening injection-related reaction to KESIMPTA.

What is the most important information I should know about KESIMPTA?

KESIMPTA can cause serious side effects such as:

  • Infections. Serious infections, which can be life-threatening or cause death, can happen during treatment with KESIMPTA. If you have an active infection, your health care provider (HCP) should delay your treatment with KESIMPTA until your infection is gone. KESIMPTA taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system may increase your risk of getting infections. Tell your HCP right away if you have any infections or get any symptoms including painful and frequent urination, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or body aches.

INDICATION

What is KESIMPTA (ofatumumab) injection?

KESIMPTA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

It is not known if KESIMPTA is safe or effective in children.

  • HBV reactivation. If you have ever had HBV infection, it may become active again during or after treatment with KESIMPTA (reactivation). If this happens, it may cause serious liver problems including liver failure or death. Before starting KESIMPTA, your HCP will do a blood test to check for HBV. They will also continue to monitor you during and after treatment with KESIMPTA for HBV. Tell your HCP right away if you get worsening tiredness or yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes.

  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML may happen with KESIMPTA. PML is a rare, serious brain infection caused by a virus that may get worse over days or weeks. PML can result in death or severe disability. Tell your HCP right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms. These may include weakness on one side of your body, loss of coordination in arms and legs, vision problems, changes in thinking and memory, which may lead to confusion and personality changes.

  • Weakened immune system. KESIMPTA taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system could increase your risk of getting infections.

Before you take KESIMPTA, tell your HCP about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have or think you have an infection including HBV or PML.

  • Have ever taken, currently take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system. These medicines could increase your risk of getting an infection.

  • Have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations.

    • You should receive any required 'live' or 'live-attenuated' vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with KESIMPTA. You should not receive 'live' or 'live-attenuated' vaccines while you are being treated with KESIMPTA and until your HCP tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened.

    • Whenever possible, you should receive any 'non-live' vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with KESIMPTA.

    • Talk to your HCP about vaccinations for your baby if you used KESIMPTA during your pregnancy.

  • Are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if KESIMPTA will harm your unborn baby. Females who can become pregnant should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with KESIMPTA and for 6 months after your last treatment. Talk with your HCP about what birth control method is right for you during this time.

  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KESIMPTA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your HCP about the best way to feed your baby if you take KESIMPTA.

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use KESIMPTA?

See the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with KESIMPTA for information about how to prepare and inject a dose of KESIMPTA and how to properly throw away (dispose of) used KESIMPTA Sensoready pens or prefilled syringes.

  • Use KESIMPTA exactly as your HCP tells you to use it.

  • Your HCP will show you how to prepare and inject KESIMPTA the right way before you use it for the first time.

  • Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, scaly or hard. Avoid areas with moles, scars, or stretch marks.

KESIMPTA may cause serious side effects including:

  • Injection-related reactions. Injection-related reactions are a common side effect of KESIMPTA. Injecting KESIMPTA can cause injection-related reactions that can happen within 24 hours (1 day) following the first injections and with later injections. There are two kinds of reactions:

    • at or near the injection site: redness of the skin, swelling, itching, and pain. Talk to your HCP if you have any of these signs and symptoms.

    • that may happen when certain substances are released in your body: fever, headache, pain in the muscles, chills, tiredness, rash, hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue and throat, and feeling faint, or chest tightness. Contact your HCP right away if you experience any of these signs and symptoms, especially if they become worse or you have new severe signs of reactions after subsequent injections. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction, which can be serious.

  • Low immunoglobulins. KESIMPTA may cause a decrease in some types of antibodies. Your HCP will do blood tests to check your blood immunoglobulin levels.

The most common side effects of KESIMPTA include:

  • Upper respiratory tract infection, with symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose, and headache.

  • Headache.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide.

KESIMPTA, the KESIMPTA logo, and SENSOREADY are registered trademarks of Novartis AG.

ALONGSIDE and the ALONGSIDE logo are trademarks of Novartis AG.

AUBAGIO is a registered trademark of Genzyme, a Sanofi company.

Please see each product's respective PI for additional information including indication, dosing, and safety.