Brand name: Ocrevus.
Generic name: Ocrelizumab.
Who takes it?:
Adults with Active Relapsing Remitting MS, Very Active Relapsing Remitting MS and early Primary Progressive MS.
Ocrevus reduces relapses by about 50%, studies also showed that Ocrevus reduced progression and the number of lesions seen on an MRI.
You are unable to have Ocrevus if you have had cancer, serious infections, HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B.
Ocrevus cannot be taken in pregnancy, all women of childbearing age must use effective contraception.
How is it given?:
Ocrevus is an Intra-venous infusion that is given at the QE. The first dose is split in half and is given 2 weeks apart, expect to be at the QE for 3-4 hours. Ocrevus is licensed to be given every 6 months. In Hereford and the QE, at 6 months we check your bloods and if your immune cell count is still low, we then delay your treatment until it rises.
Who Monitors it?:
Bloods are obtained prior to treatment, at month 1 and pre next dose. You will be informed when they are due, we will ask you either to attend your Gp practice or the MS Nurse home phlebotomy service will collect them. The MS Nurse phlebotomy service, can come to your home environment or after negotiation with your employer, at your work place.
At each MS Nurse appointment you will be asked about your Ocrevus:
- Have any side effects.
- Had any infections.
Side effects:
Infusion related reactions: headache, temperature, rash.
Increase in upper respiratory infections.
Cold sores.
Gastroenteritis.
Cellulitis.
Vaccines:
Whilst on Ocrevus we advice that you do not have Live or Live-attenuated vaccines, please call us for further advice.
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/health-and-social-care/health-care/flu-jabs
Support:
https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ocrevus-ocrelizumab