Vumerity vs. Ocrevus for Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Vumerity

(diroximel fumarate)

Ocrevus

(ocrelizumab)

Summary for Vumerity

Prescription only

Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is approved for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It's a type of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that can help lower the number of MS relapses and slow MS from getting worse. Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth twice a day. The dosage typically starts low and then is raised to the maintenance dose a week later. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing.

Indications for Vumerity

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Vumerity

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can help lower the number of MS relapses per year
Might cause less stomach upset than dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
Few drug interactions

Cons

Must take twice a day
Often causes flushing
Should avoid taking with high-fat and high-calorie meals
Can take a few months to see the full benefit of the medication

Common Side Effects for Vumerity

Flushing (40%)
Stomach pain (18%)
Diarrhea (14%)
Nausea (12%)

Warnings for Vumerity

Severe allergic reaction
Flushing
Risk of serious infections
Low white blood cell counts
Liver damage
Serious stomach or gut problems

Summary for Ocrevus

Prescription only

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It can also treat certain children 10 years and older with relapsing-remitting MS. Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a type of monoclonal antibody. It's given as an infusion through the vein every 6 months at a medical center or clinic. A trained healthcare professional will help give Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) to you. Side effects can include a higher risk of infections and infusion reactions.

Indications for Ocrevus

All types of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults
Relapsing-remitting MS in children 10 years and older who weigh at least 55 lbs

Pros and Cons for Ocrevus

Pros

Given twice a year (after a couple starter doses)
Can help lessen the number of MS relapses
Approved for all types of MS in adults
Also approved for MS in certain children ages 10 years and older
Might be better tolerated than some other injectable MS medications

Cons

Must be given as an infusion through the vein
Each infusion takes a few hours
Can cause infusion reactions (like itching, flushing, nausea, and fast heartbeat)
Can raise your risk of infections
Doesn't cure MS