Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)

Ocrevus® is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing, secondary progressive, or primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as those with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is a disease-modifying drug (DMD) made from monoclonal antibodies (proteins).¹

In 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ocrevus Zunovo™ (ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq) as the first and only 10-minute, twice-yearly subcutaneous (just under the skin) injection for people with relapsing and primary progressive MS.²

What are the ingredients in Ocrevus?

The active ingredient in Ocrevus is ocrelizumab.¹

The active ingredients in Ocrevus Zunovo are ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq.²

How does Ocrevus work?

The way Ocrevus works in MS is not fully understood. The drug binds to CD-20, a cell surface antigen on immune system B-cells, which may be involved in the processes that cause central nervous system damage in MS. Ocrevus destroys those B cells, and B cells are thought to be involved in the processes that cause CNS damage in MS.¹

What are the possible side effects?

Many clinical trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of Ocrevus. The most common side effects experienced by those taking Ocrevus include:^1,2

• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
• Infusion reactions like fever, fatigue, or headache
• Skin reactions or infections
• Herpes virus-associated infections
• Depression
• Back pain
• Pain in the hands or feet

These are not all the possible side effects of Ocrevus. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Ocrevus. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Ocrevus.

Other things to know about Ocrevus

Ocrevus may interact with other medicines, as well as affect the way other medicines work. This especially may apply to immune-modulating or immunosuppressive therapies. Your doctor can tell you if any medicines you are currently taking fall into these categories, or if they might impact your treatment with Ocrevus.¹

Prior to starting treatment with Ocrevus, all people should undergo hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening. Ocrevus should not by used by people with active hepatitis B virus.^1,2

Before starting Ocrevus, talk with your doctor if you:^1,2

• Have an active Hepatitis B virus infection
• Have a history of hypersensitivity to or life-threatening reaction to Ocrevus
• Have had vaccines within 4 weeks of initiating Ocrevus therapy
• Have an active infection
• Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, as there is limited information on the use of Ocrevus in pregnancy or in nursing mothers

People with the above conditions should be monitored closely while taking Ocrevus.¹

Before beginning treatment for MS, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information for Ocrevus and the full prescribing information for Ocrevus Zenovo.