Reviews (8)Overview: Ocrevus is used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider. It works by targeting and destroying certain immune cells that may cause nerve damage in people with MS. Common side effects of Ocrevus include infections and infusion reactions, which can sometimes be severe. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any new or unusual symptoms, including a fever, flu-like symptoms, skin rash or itching, or a cough. Before receiving Ocrevus, tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
Uses
What is Ocrevus used for?
Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is commonly used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Your Guide to Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Ocrevus may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Ocrevus work (mechanism of action)?
Ocrevus attaches to a protein called CD20 on certain immune cells known as B cells. Normally, B cells help protect your body from infections, but in people with multiple sclerosis, they mistakenly attack the nerves. By attaching to CD20, Ocrevus helps destroy the B cells that are causing this nerve damage.
How is Ocrevus supplied (dosage forms)?
Ocrevus is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.
How should I store Ocrevus?
Ocrevus is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or at home. If you will store Ocrevus at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Ocrevus?
The most common side effects of Ocrevus are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms (see below)
- Infusion reactions (see below)
- Skin infections (see below)
- Infection of the airways or lungs, including bronchitis (see below)
There may be other side effects of Ocrevus that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Ocrevus?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Ocrevus are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ocrevus may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ocrevus and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Infusion Reactions. Ocrevus can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. You may be given several medicines before you receive Ocrevus to reduce these reactions. These reactions can also happen up to 24 hours after receiving Ocrevus. You will be monitored while you are receiving the medicine and afterward. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you receive the medicine or within 24 hours after receiving your dose.
- Itchy skin, rash, or hives
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Coughing or wheezing
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Throat irritation or pain
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Fever or chills
- Redness of your face and neck
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Swelling of the throat
- Joint or muscle pain
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
Infection. Ocrevus can increase the risk of infections, including infections of your nose, throat, airways, lungs, and skin. Ocrevus can also increase your risk of herpes infection. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Cold sores or genital sores
- Shingles
- Skin rash or itching
- Pain
- Changes in vision
- Eye redness or eye pain
- Severe or persistent headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Ocrevus could make the virus active again. Keep all appointments for blood work before starting Ocrevus and during and after treatment. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.
- Unusual tiredness
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Dark-colored pee
- Fever or chills
- Pain in your side
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People using Ocrevus may get a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop using Ocrevus and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.
- Clumsiness or loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking or speaking
- Facial drooping
- Vision problems
- Thinking, memory, or personality changes
- Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
- Seizures
Low Antibodies. Ocrevus may cause you to have low levels of certain types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins. Low immunoglobulin levels could increase your risk for infection. Keep all appointments to check your blood work before starting Ocrevus and during and after treatment.
Cancer. Ocrevus may increase your risk of cancer, including breast cancer, due to changes in your immune system. Keep all appointments with your health care provider for cancer screenings.
Immune-Mediated Colitis. Ocrevus may cause immune-mediated colitis, which is inflammation of your colon due to changes in your immune system. This inflammation can be serious and may require hospitalization or surgery in some cases. Symptoms can begin anywhere from a few weeks to years after starting treatment. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of immune-mediated colitis.
- New diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Stool (poop) that is black, tarry, sticky or have blood or mucus
- Severe stomach cramps
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Ocrevus. Keep all appointments with your health care provider for blood work. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Ocrevus?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ocrevus.
- Ocrelizumab
- Ocrevus
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ocrevus.
Active Hepatitis B Infection. People who have an active infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) should not receive Ocrevus because their bodies will not be able to fight the infection as well, which can lead to serious liver problems. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a hepatitis B infection.
Previous Life-Threatening Reaction. People who have had a previous life-threatening reaction with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo should not use the medicine again, because they may have a similar reaction during repeat treatment. Tell your health care provider if you had a life-threatening reaction to Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo in the past.
What should I know about Ocrevus before using it?
Do not use Ocrevus unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Ocrevus with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Ocrevus is given by a health care provider as an intravenous (IV) infusion over about 2.5 hours. The infusion may be shorter or longer depending on whether you have had a reaction to previous doses.
If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while you are being treated with Ocrevus and for 6 months after your last dose.
Ocrevus can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Ocrevus affects you.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Ocrevus?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Ocrevus is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Infection
- Hepatitis B
- Liver problems
- Inflammatory bowel disease or colitis
Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines before, during, and for some time after using Ocrevus. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Ocrevus may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ocrevus, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment with Ocrevus and for 6 months after your last dose. It is not known if or how Ocrevus could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ocrevus passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Ocrevus while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Ocrevus?
For more information about Ocrevus, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.ocrevus.com or call them at 844-627-3887.
Interactions
Does Ocrevus interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Ocrevus and food or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Ocrevus and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
Does Ocrevus interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Ocrevus.
- A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
- Any other medicine that can affect or weaken your immune system, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ocrevus. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ocrevus?
If you or someone else has used too much Ocrevus, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ocrevus?
Ocrevus is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital, a clinic, or at home. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Ocrevus as scheduled.
If you miss an appointment to get your Ocrevus dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.
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