Dose information for Ocrevus: Formulations, potencies, administration methods, and further details.
Ocrevus, a long-term treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS), is administered in a specific dosing schedule to ensure its effectiveness and minimise potential side effects. Here's a breakdown of the recommended dosage and administration schedule for Ocrevus in treating various MS subtypes.
For Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) and Relapsing forms of MS (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS), the initial dose is typically two intravenous infusions of 300 mg each given two weeks apart (total 600 mg). Subsequent doses are administered as a single 600 mg intravenous infusion every 6 months.
The initial infusions usually take around 4 hours, but later infusions may be shortened to about 2 hours if no serious infusion reactions occur. Total clinic time including preparation and monitoring ranges from about 3.5 to 6 hours.
For the subcutaneous formulation of Ocrevus (Ocrevus Zunovo), the dosage is a 920 mg subcutaneous injection every 6 months. No dose splitting is necessary, and at least a 5-month interval should be maintained between doses.
It's worth noting that the initial split-dose induction via IV is preferred to reduce infusion-related reactions (IRRs). Over time, infusion reactions generally decrease with repeated dosing, becoming mild and less frequent after multiple doses.
When receiving Ocrevus, it's crucial to attend all appointments as scheduled. If you miss an appointment for your Ocrevus dose, reschedule it as soon as possible and consider revising your dosing schedule if necessary.
Before receiving Ocrevus, your doctor may recommend taking medications such as methylprednisolone, an antihistamine, and a fever reducer to prevent reactions. After your infusion, you'll be monitored for 1 hour to ensure you don't experience any reactions.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend slowing down the infusion rate. The maintenance dose may take 2 to 3.5 hours or more, depending on how it's given.
In summary, Ocrevus dosing involves an initial split-dose induction via IV, followed by single-dose maintenance IV infusions every 6 months for all indicated types of MS. The subcutaneous form is also an available alternative given biannually at 920 mg. Always consult your healthcare professional for personalised advice regarding your treatment plan.
[1] Multiple Sclerosis Trust. (2021). Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). Retrieved from https://www.mstrust.org.uk/information/ocrelizumab-ocrevus/
[3] National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (2021). Ocrevus (ocrelizumab). Retrieved from https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medication/Disease-Modifying-Therapies/Ocrevus-ocrelizumab
[5] Genentech. (2021). Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) prescribing information. Retrieved from https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/ocrevus_prescribing_information.pdf
- Healthcare deciders should consider Ocrevus, a drug for treating multiple sclerosis (MS), which is administered in a specific dosing schedule in managing various MS subtypes like Primary Progressive MS and Relapsing forms of MS.
- For Primary Progressive MS and Relapsing forms of MS including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS, Ocrevus is given as two intravenous infusions of 300 mg each, 2 weeks apart, followed by single 600 mg intravenous infusions every 6 months.
- In the case of the subcutaneous formulation of Ocrevus, the dosage is a 920 mg subcutaneous injection given every 6 months, without dose splitting, with at least a 5-month interval between doses.
- It's crucial for patients receiving Ocrevus to attend all scheduled appointments, and to consult their doctor for medications such as methylprednisolone, antihistamines, and fever reducers to prevent reactions prior to infusion.
- Multiple sclerosis Trust, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Genentech all recommend the Ocrevus dosing to involve an initial split-dose induction via IV, followed by single-dose maintenance IV infusions every 6 months, with a subcutaneous form also available every 6 months for alternative administration.
