Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ocrevus Used For?
Ocrevus contains ocrelizumab, a monoclonal antibody designed to work like natural antibodies by targeting specific proteins involved in disease.
Primary Uses
Ocrevus is used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
How It Works
Ocrevus works on immune system cells called B-cells, which play a role in multiple sclerosis. By targeting specific B cells, Ocrevus may reduce inflammation and attacks to the nervous system. It can decrease the number of flare-ups (relapses) and slow the worsening of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, and also reduce the worsening of primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
How to Take Ocrevus
Your doctor or nurse will administer your Ocrevus dose either as an intravenous infusion or as a subcutaneous injection in a hospital or clinic setting.
Dosage Instructions
For IV: The dose is 600 mg every 6 months. Your first 600 mg will be given as 2 separate intravenous infusions (300 mg each), given 2 weeks apart. Each infusion takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Subsequent 600 mg doses are given as a single infusion every 6 months, taking either about 2 hours or 3 hours and 30 minutes. For SC: The first injection is 920 mg given in approximately 10 minutes with close monitoring for at least one hour. Subsequent injections are 920 mg given 6 months after the previous injection.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget or miss your appointment for treatment, do not wait until the next planned dose but make another appointment as soon as possible. Your doctor may need to change the timing of your later doses.
Important: Before each dose, you will receive other medicines to help reduce possible side effects such as infusion-related reactions or injection reactions.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Viral infections (influenza)
- Respiratory tract infections (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath)
- Sinusitis (pressure or pain in cheeks and forehead)
- Bronchitis (cough, chest pain, fever)
- Build up of mucus in nose and throat
- Gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, fever)
- Conjunctivitis (itchy, red or sore eyes)
- Cellulitis (rash, itching or hives on skin)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Infusion or injection related reactions (itchy skin, rash, hives, redness, throat irritation, shortness of breath, swelling, low blood pressure, fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, fast heart beat)
- Serious infections (fever, chills, persistent cough, herpes)
- Stomach and bowel problems (persistent diarrhea, stomach pain, blood in stools)
- Liver problems (new or worsening fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, right abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, worsening asthma)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Ocrevus should not be used or requires careful monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Ocrevus
Do not use Ocrevus if you are allergic to ocrelizumab or any ingredients, have an active infection, have a severely weakened immune system, or have any type of cancer.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have signs of infection, have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier, have or have ever had cancer, intend to have or have had immunisation with any vaccine, are allergic to other medicines, have any other medical conditions, or take medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Avoid using Ocrevus during pregnancy unless advised otherwise by your doctor. If breastfeeding, you can use Ocrevus starting a few days after birth, though breast milk may contain a small amount of Ocrevus.
Serious Brain Infection Risk: There have been very rare reports of serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which can cause severe disability or be life-threatening.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Ocrevus and affect how it works, or Ocrevus may affect how other medicines work.
- Live or live-attenuated vaccines – should not be given while receiving Ocrevus and for several months after
- Other MS treatments or medicines that affect the immune system – may affect ability to fight infections
- Blood pressure medicines – Ocrevus may lower blood pressure, doctor may ask you to temporarily stop these before each dose
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ocrevus affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
It is not known whether Ocrevus can affect your ability to drive or use tools or machines. Be cautious until you understand how the medication affects you.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
It is unlikely that you will need to store Ocrevus at home. If necessary, refrigerate between 2°C and 8°C, do not freeze or shake. Keep the vial in the carton to protect it from light and keep it out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Your dose is given under medical supervision, but if you think you have received too much Ocrevus, you may need urgent medical care. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocrevus works by targeting B-cells in your immune system to reduce inflammation and attacks on your nervous system. Your doctor will monitor your response to treatment over time.
Ocrevus is given every 6 months. Your first dose is split into two infusions given 2 weeks apart, then subsequent doses are given as single treatments every 6 months.
You should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines while receiving Ocrevus and for several months after until your doctor advises it’s safe. Your doctor will check if you need any vaccines before starting Ocrevus.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection, even if it has been weeks or months since your last dose. Your doctor may need to do blood tests to check your white blood cell levels.
You should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Avoid using Ocrevus during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise.
You can use Ocrevus starting a few days after birth if breastfeeding. Breast milk may contain a small amount of Ocrevus, but studies show normal growth and development in babies up to 1 year.
Don’t wait until the next planned dose – make another appointment as soon as possible. Your doctor may need to adjust the timing of your later doses.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.