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Ocrevus or Kesimpta? Which treatment should I choose for MS?
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Mar 7 2:06am | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
Welcome, @striblingpaul. I'm tagging other members who live with multiple sclerosis, like @sanny @beltonite410 @christinebuchar @shack76 @babette @chris462 @helenlodahl @kip170 @kco @dsheahan1951 to see if they have experience with either Ocrevus or Kesimpta.
According to a clinical trial comparing Kesimpta (ofatumumab) to Ocrevus for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) in adults, the main difference is cost and how the drug is administered. Read more here:
- Novartis' Kesimpta to compete with Roche's Ocrevus in MS: https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/comment/aan-2021-novartis-kesimpta-trial/
"The safety and efficacy data of Ocrevus is, overall, comparable with that of Kesimpta. The main differentiation between the two drugs is the delivery system and the annual cost of therapy, which is $65,000 for Ocrevus compared to $83,000 for Kesimpta in the US."
Kesimpta is self-injected under the skin once monthly. Ocrevus is given as an intravenous infusion every six months.
Paul, do the factors of cost and the convenience of self-administration help you make your choice?
Replies to "Welcome, @striblingpaul. I'm tagging other members who live with multiple sclerosis, like @sanny @beltonite410 @christinebuchar @shack76..."
I'm doing the Ocrevus infusion every 6 months and my doc is suggesting I switch to Kesimpta. She's expecting me to research it and tell her what I want to do. I just don't see how that decision is left up to me to both research and determine if I want to switch. For me, if I have decide I'd stick with the Ocrevus. I did the daily subcutaneous injection with one of the earlier medications used for M.S. and though I didn't mind doing it then, my hand dexteraty isn't so good.
However I do take issue with your cost comparisons. The last time I got the infusion I had to pay a 20% co-pay, and they billed my infusion center over $100,000.00 and that was for one infusion. Previously the Genetec Foundation was giving me the Ocrevus at NO cost. I'm straightening that out now but it's a real hassle. But my point here, is to compare the cost. If I had to pay over $2,000 for each infusion I don't know what I'd do.
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My name is Ruth not Paul.
I already know about the cost of the 2 drugs. I'm concerned about the side effects of Kesimpta.
I've lost so much hair while on Ocrevus I'm looking another treatment option.
Just saw the Brain and Nervous System support group would that be more helpful for me. I was directed to your group from the Kesimpta site I was looking at.
Thank you for your reply,
Ruth