Ocrelizumab
About Ocrelizumab
Ocrelizumab is used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in adults. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering around nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This damage can cause many physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, impacting daily life and overall well-being.
Ocrelizumab contains Ocrelizumab. It works by targeting and destroying certain types of immune cells called B cells. In multiple sclerosis, these B cells attack the myelin sheath, the protective covering that envelops nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. By destroying these B cells, Ocrelizumab helps to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis.
The dose and duration of treatment with Ocrelizumab may vary depending on your medical condition. The common side effects of Ocrelizumab include swelling or pain in hands, legs, arms, or feet; upper respiratory tract infections; cough; itchy skin; rash; nausea; headache; and dizziness. Most of these side effects gradually resolve on their own over time. However, consult the doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. The doctor may suggest using reliable contraception methods during the treatment and for an additional six months following the last dose to prevent pregnancy. If you become pregnant while receiving Ocrelizumab, immediately inform your doctor. You should also tell your baby's doctor if you received Ocrelizumab during pregnancy, as this may impact the timing of certain vaccinations your baby will receive. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your pre-existing health conditions.
Uses of Ocrelizumab
• Management of Relapsing MS (RMS): Ocrelizumab is used to manage and reduce relapse frequency, decrease disease activity, and slow progression of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis.
• Treatment of Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Ocrelizumab also helps to slow disease progression and reduce worsening disability of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Medicinal Benefits
Ocrelizumab targets and destroys B cells that attack the myelin sheath in multiple sclerosis, thereby reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. Follow your doctor's instructions to achieve the maximum benefits of the treatment.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ocrelizumab
- Swelling or pain in hands, legs, arms, or feet
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Cough
- Itchy skin
- Rash
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
Drug Warnings
Before receiving Ocrelizumab, inform your doctor if you have an active infection, a history of hepatitis B, or have had cancer. They may postpone or avoid treatment if you currently have an infection or cancer. If you have a history of hepatitis B, your doctor will closely monitor you for reactivation of the virus. It is also essential to tell your doctor about any immune system disorders you may have, as these could influence your treatment plan. Watch out for any signs of an injection reaction and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any. Ocrelizumab may increase infection risk, so inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or herpes. Worsening symptoms of multiple sclerosis could indicate a rare brain infection, so inform your doctor. Inform your partner or caregiver about your treatment with Ocrelizumab, as they may be able to recognize subtle symptoms that you don't notice. Avoid live vaccines and discuss needed vaccinations with your doctor in advance. Ocrelizumab is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy were not established. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or become pregnant while receiving Ocrelizumab, or if you are breastfeeding, as this may affect your treatment and the health of your baby. Inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and vitamins you are currently taking to help identify potential interactions and minimize the side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ocrelizumab may interact with immunomodulators (abrocitinib, baricitinib, and etanercept), antineoplastic agents (cladribine), live attenuated vaccines (BCG vaccine), and antibiotics (fexinidazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have infections, immune system diseases, pneumonia, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), hepatitis B, cancer, and other pre-existing medical conditions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Ocrelizumab is unknown. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is unknown if Ocrelizumab will harm your foetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while receiving Ocrelizumab and for 6 months after the last dose of Ocrelizumab.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Ocrelizumab is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, take your doctor's advice if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionAvoid driving or operating machinery if you feel uncomfortable after receiving Ocrelizumab.
Liver
cautionFor patients with liver disease, it is crucial to undergo hepatitis B screening before initiating treatment with Ocrelizumab, as those with active HBV infection may be at risk of severe and potentially life-threatening complications.
Kidney
cautionOcrelizumab can be administered to patients with mild kidney problems. Still, it is unknown for those with moderate or severe kidney problems as its safety and efficacy were not fully established.
Children
unsafeOcrelizumab is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Choose a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in whole foods, such as various colourful vegetables and fruits, whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, lean proteins like fish and chicken, and healthy fats like those found in avocados and nuts.
- To avoid overheating, stay calm. Wear lightweight clothing and use the necessary cooling methods or devices.
- Try relaxation methods like meditation and deep breathing to manage stress.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Follow a consistent sleep schedule to ensure adequate rest.
- Refrain from smoking and to prevent worsening symptoms.
- To support cognitive health, engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as puzzles, brain games, or learning new skills.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: It is a chronic and disabling neurological disorder that impacts the central nervous system. It damages the protective layer surrounding nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body and leading to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
FAQs
Ocrelizumab belongs to the group of medications called monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in adults.
Ocrelizumab contains ocrelizumab. It works by targeting and destroying certain types of immune cells called B cells. In multiple sclerosis, these B cells attack the myelin sheath, the protective covering that envelops nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. By destroying these B cells, Ocrelizumab reduces inflammation and slows down the progression of multiple sclerosis.
The side effects of Ocrelizumab include swelling or pain in hands, legs, arms, or feet; upper respiratory tract infections; cough; itchy skin; rash; nausea; headache; and dizziness. Most of these side effects gradually resolve on their own over time. However, please consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.
Please inform your doctor before taking other medicines while being treated with Ocrelizumab. Your doctor will determine which medicines should not be taken along with Ocrelizumab.
Ocrelizumab is contraindicated in patients with active Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and those with a history of life-threatening infusion reactions to the medication. Patients with these conditions should not receive Ocrelizumab due to the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
