Ocrelizumab Injection

Ocrelizumab in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by stopping certain cells of the immune system from causing damage.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Ocrelizumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given once every 2 weeks for the first two doses (at week 0 and week 2), and then infusions are given once every 6 months.

Ocrelizumab injection may cause serious reactions during an infusion and up to a day after receiving the infusion. You may be given other medications to treat or help prevent reactions to ocrelizumab. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while receiving the infusion and for at least 1 hour afterwards to provide treatment in case of certain side effects to the medication. Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease the dose, if you experience certain side effects. Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following during or within 24 hours after your infusion: rash; itching; hives; redness at the injection site; difficulty breathing or swallowing; cough; wheezing; rash; feeling faint; throat irritation; mouth or throat pain; shortness of breath; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; flushing; fever; fatigue; tiredness; headache; dizziness; nausea; or a racing heartbeat. Call your doctor immediately or get immediate emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms after you leave your doctor’s office or medical facility.

Ocrelizumab may help to control multiple sclerosis symptoms but does not cure them. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well ocrelizumab works for you. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with ocrelizumab injection and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm)or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Major health insurance companies have faced legal trouble over their claim denial practices. In February 2018, the insurance commissioner of California announced plans to investigate Aetna’s coverage denial practices after a former medical director of the insurance company admitted that he never once looked at a patient’s medical records when deciding whether to deny claims over the three years he worked in the position, according to CNN.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving ocrelizumab injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ocrelizumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ocrelizumab injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking ocrelizumab. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B (HBV; a virus that infects the liver and may cause severe liver damage or liver cancer). Your doctor will probably tell you not to receive ocrelizumab.
• tell your doctor if you have any type of infection before you begin your treatment with ocrelizumab injection.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use effective birth control during your treatment with ocrelizumab and for 6 months after the final dose. If you become pregnant while receiving ocrelizumab, call your doctor. If you receive ocrelizumab injection during your pregnancy, be sure to talk to your baby’s doctor about this after your baby is born. Your baby may need to delay receiving certain vaccines.
• tell your doctor if you have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You may need to receive certain types of vaccines at least 4 weeks before and others at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with ocrelizumab injection. Do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor during your treatment.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.