Ocrevus may cause unpleasant side effects. Some side effects may occur during the injection or up to 24 hours later. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, itchy, or have chest tightness, throat irritation, or trouble breathing,.
Ocrevus affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, cough, mouth sores, skin sores or blisters, itching, tingling, burning pain, or problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, it may become active or get worse while you are using or after you stop using ocrelizumab. You may need frequent liver function tests for several months.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Ocrevus if you are allergic to ocrelizumab, or if you have:
active infection with hepatitis B.
Your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have hepatitis B or other infections.
You should not receive any "live" or "live-attenuated" vaccine, within the 4 weeks before you start treatment with Ocrevus. If you need a "non-live" vaccine, you should receive it at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with ocrelizumab.
Also tell your doctor if:
you have any type of infection;
you are a carrier of hepatitis B; or
you have ever used medicine that can weaken your immune system.
Using Ocrevus may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
It is not known whether Ocrevus will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are pregnant, you will need to tell your baby's doctor if you used ocrelizumab during pregnancy, especially before the baby receives any childhood vaccines.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of ocrelizumab on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Ocrevus is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How is Ocrevus given?
Ocrevus is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using Ocrevus.
You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of ocrelizumab.
Your first dose will be split into 2 separate infusions. You will receive these infusions 2 weeks apart. The following doses will be given once every 6 months.
Ocrevus must be given slowly, and the infusion can take from 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects of ocrelizumab.
You will be watched closely for at least 1 hour after receiving Ocrevus, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the medication.
Ocrelizumab affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests.
If you've ever had hepatitis B, this virus may become active or get worse during treatment with ocrelizumab or in the months after you stop using this medicine. You may need frequent liver function tests while using this medicine and for several months after your last dose.
