Ocrevus®

What is Ocrevus^®?

Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) is a monoclonal antibody therapy designed to treat both relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in adults. It's part of the anti-CD20 therapy class, which targets and removes specific B cells — immune cells known to contribute to the nerve damage associated with MS.

What sets Ocrevus apart from many other MS treatments is its ability to address both relapsing and progressive forms of the disease, making it one of the most comprehensive treatment options available. In fact, Ocrevus is the first FDA-approved therapy for primary progressive MS, offering hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options.

Ocrevus infusion is administered intravenously at our specialized MS Infusion Therapy | Rocky Mountain MS Clinic. The initial treatment involves:

• First infusion: 300 mg over at least 2.5 hours
• Second infusion: 300 mg, two weeks later, over at least 2.5 hours
• Maintenance infusions: 600 mg every 6 months, typically over 2 hours

Premedications (corticosteroid and antihistamine) are given before each infusion to reduce the risk of reactions. Patients are monitored for at least one hour after each infusion. For those who tolerate the treatment well, a shorter infusion option may be available for maintenance doses.

‍

‍

How does Ocrevus^® work?

In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath — the insulating layer around nerves in the brain and spinal cord that allows efficient communication between nerve cells. Damage to this sheath can disrupt nerve signals, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination difficulties, visual disturbances, and cognitive changes.

Ocrevus works by targeting a specific type of immune cell involved in this process:

• Targets CD20-positive B cells: These are immune cells that play a key role in the attack on myelin
• Depletes harmful B cells: By binding to the CD20 marker, Ocrevus signals the immune system to remove these cells
• Reduces inflammation: Fewer B cells means less inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
• Protects nerve tissue: By stopping B cells before they damage myelin, Ocrevus helps preserve nerve function

What makes Ocrevus unique is its proven effectiveness in treating both relapsing and primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. For relapsing MS, it significantly reduces the frequency of relapses and slows disability progression. For primary progressive MS, where symptoms steadily worsen over time, Ocrevus is the first and only treatment shown to slow the progression of physical disability.

While Ocrevus does not cure MS, it helps reduce inflammation, slow disability progression, and minimize new disease activity — supporting improved stability and quality of life. Patients can begin to see measurable effects from Ocrevus in as little as 12 weeks, with benefits continuing to increase over many months to a few years. Clinical trials have demonstrated sustained benefits over extended treatment periods, helping patients maintain function and reduce disease activity long-term.

Like all medications, Ocrevus can cause side effects. Common Ocrevus infusion side effects include:

• Infusion reactions (fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure)
• Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu)
• Lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia)
• Skin reactions (rash, itching, hives)
• Diarrhea

Less common but serious side effects require immediate medical attention:

• Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare but serious brain infection
• Severe allergic reactions: Including anaphylaxis
• Hepatitis B virus reactivation: In those with a prior infection
• Serious infections: Due to decreased immune function
• Reduced immunoglobulin levels: Which can increase infection risk

Rare but serious complications can include blood clots, heart failure, and stroke. Your healthcare team at our Fort Collins infusion center will monitor you closely during and after each Ocrevus IV infusion to ensure your safety.