Ocrevus
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It's an infusion through the veins that's given by a healthcare provider at their office, at an infusion center, or at home (if your provider allows). You don't have to take Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) as often as some other MS medications.
What is Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)?
What is Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) used for?
All types of multiple sclerosis (MS)
How Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) works
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a monoclonal antibody. It's not exactly known how the medication works, but it's thought to work by attaching to certain proteins on the surface of immune cells to change how they function. This might help lower inflammation and symptoms of MS.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)?
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infections (40-49%)
- Infusion reactions (34-40%)
- Skin infections (up to 14%)
- Lower respiratory tract infections (8-10%)
Other Side Effects
- Back pain
- Pain in arms or legs
- Swelling in arms or legs
- Diarrhea
- Herpes infection
- Depression
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, dizziness, fever, shaking, flushing, trouble breathing, chest pain
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion or trouble speaking
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Pros and cons of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
Pros
Given twice per year (after a couple starter doses)
The only FDA-approved medication for primary progressive MS
Manufacturer co-pay program available to help lower costs for eligible people
Cons
Needs to be given as an infusion injected through the vein
Cannot be used in children or adults older than 64 years old
Brand name only, which can be expensive
Raises your risk for infections
Pharmacist tips for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
Mark your appointments to see your provider and receive Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) on your calendar. This makes sure your providers can properly monitor you and also helps you remember to receive your treatments on time.
Bring a book, something else to do, or snacks with you to help pass the time while you receive Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), since the whole infusion process can take several hours. Please see the FAQs for more details about what to expect for your infusion.
If you miss your scheduled Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) infusion, contact your provider to get it as soon as possible. Then, your dosing schedule will be reset so you get your next dose 6 months after the date you receive your infusion.
If you feel itchy or develop a rash, flushing, trouble breathing, pain in your mouth and throat, fever, headache, dizziness, or fast heart rate up to 1 day after receiving your Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) infusion, get medical help right away. These can be early signs of an infusion reaction, and it could potentially progress to a more severe, life-threatening reaction.
Refer to the medication guide for more information on Ocrevus (ocrelizumab).
Frequently asked questions about Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
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What are the risks and warnings for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)?
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Reactions after injection
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) can cause reactions up to 1 day after receiving the medication. These reactions can include itching, hives, trouble breathing, pain in the mouth or throat, neck swelling, flushing, fever, headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, and anaphylaxis. To lower your risk and severity of these reactions, your provider might give you a few medications about 30 minutes to 1 hour before your Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) infusion. These medications include a steroid, antihistamine, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Let your provider know if you get any of these reactions during the infusion so they can slow or stop the infusion. They can also give you medications to treat your symptoms. If you get these reactions when you're at home, get medical help right away.
Risk of infections
Risk factors: Active, chronic (long-term), or recurrent infection | Other conditions that raise your risk of infection | Taking medications that weaken your immune system
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) can affect your body's ability to fight off infections, which can raise your risk of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The risk is higher for people who have an active infection or an infection that keeps coming back, people with certain chronic conditions that make it easier to develop infections, and people taking medications that weaken your immune system.
Additionally, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) can reactivate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) if you're a carrier of the virus. You'll need to get tested for hepatitis B before starting Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) and get appropriate treatment if your provider detects that you're infected.
If you develop symptoms of an infection (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, chills) while taking Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), go to the hospital right away so you can be tested for an infection. You might have to stop taking Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) so your body can fight the infection. Tell your provider about your medical conditions and medications so they can make sure Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is safe for you.
Low antibodies
Because of the way Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) works, it's expected for the medication to lower the antibody levels in your body. Low antibody levels can potentially raise your risk for infections. Your provider will monitor your antibody levels during and after treatment with Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). If you end up with a serious infection or an infection that keep coming back, you might need to stop Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) treatment.
Cancer
Although rare, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) might raise your risk of developing certain types of cancers. You'll likely need certain labs and occasional physical exams while you receive Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) treatment to monitor your risk of cancer. If you experience symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, lumps on your skin, pelvic or back pain, or changes in the shape or size of your breasts, contact your provider. They can check out these symptoms more closely.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
You'll receive 300 mg injected into the veins (intravenously or IV) every 2 weeks for the first two treatments. Then, you'll receive 600 mg IV every 6 months for your following treatments.
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) contraindications
Active HBV infection
What are alternatives to Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)?
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
What is the latest news about Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)?
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