OCREVUS

Injection Therapy

OCREVUS infusion therapy is an IV medication administered as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). OCREVUS infusion therapy is available at Optimum Care Infusion Center.

About OCREVUS® Infusion Therapy

OCREVUS infusion therapy (ocrelizumab) is an IV therapy used to treat patients with both Relapsing MS (RMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS). OCREVUS is a biologic medication and contains proteins that target specific areas of the immune system.

In people with multiple sclerosis, the immune system inappropriately attacks the sheath that covers nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This sheath is called Myelin, and when it is damaged it causes disruptions in the communication signals sent throughout the body. The current understanding of this process is that B cells play a key role in triggering these attacks.

OCREVUS infusion therapy targets B cells and attaches to the B cells and destroys them before they can cause damage to the nerves.

OCREVUS® Infusion Therapy for MS

OCREVUS infusion therapy was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat patients with Relapsing MS (RMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS). It is the first medication approved to treat PPMS. Unlike other medications for MS that need to be administered more frequently, patients receiving OCREVUS infusions only require 3 infusions in the first year of treatment.

In a clinical study, about 83% of OCREVUS patients with RMS had no relapses, while the number of total relapses was cut almost in half (46%).¹ OCREVUS infusion therapy patients with PPMS were shown to be 24% less likely to have disability progression while on the medication. This means patients were 24% less likely to notice worsening MS symptoms, including numbness, loss of coordination, speech and swallowing problems, memory loss, visual impairment, and bowel and bladder dysfunction, and muscle weakness.

OCREVUS® Cost

The out-of-pocket OCREVUS cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage. If you have Medicare Part B or Medicaid, some of the OCREVUS cost may be partially covered.

Patients with commercial insurance may qualify for the OCREVUS Co-pay Program which can help cover the OCREVUS cost. For more information on OCREVUS cost and financial resources, you may visit https://www.ocrevus.com/patient/financial-support/assistance-options.html.

No patient should go without necessary treatment due to financial limitations. If you have questions about financial assistance opportunities or OCREVUS cost, contact a member of our Optimum Care team or your referring provider.

What to Expect During OCREVUS® Infusion Therapy

If your provider has prescribed OCREVUS infusion therapy as a Multiple Sclerosis medication, you will receive 2 doses six months apart. The first dose of OCREVUS is administered as 2 infusions that last around 2.5 hours. Your MS infusion may take longer depending on a variety of factors.

OCREVUS Side Effects

Most patients tolerate OCREVUS well. The most commonly reported OCREVUS side effects include skin and upper respiratory tract infections and infusion reactions (itching, redness, headache, nausea, throat irritation, fatigue, and dizziness).

There is a possibility of Hepatitis B reactivation during OCREVUS treatment. Before starting OCREVUS, your provider will perform a Hepatitis B screening to rule out active HBV. If you have had HBV in the past, your provider will monitor your risk throughout your course of treatment.

If you have concerns about OCREVUS side effects, contact your referring provider.

OCREVUS Infusion Therapy at Optimum Care

Your comfort during OCREVUS infusion therapy at Optimum Care is our priority. Our OCREVUS patients enjoy walk-up parking, complimentary entertainment and snacks, and a team of highly trained providers during each injection. Plus, Optimum Care’s convenient location makes it easier to schedule your appointments.

Getting Started With OCREVUS Infusion Therapy

If you are interested in receiving OCREVUS infusion therapy treatment at Optimum Care Infusion Center, talk to your doctor about sending us a referral.

If you have any questions, you can also contact Optimum Care directly. We look forward to helping you soon.

Providers – ready to learn more?

Request a visit from an Optimum Care representative, and a member of our team will come to your office to discuss our services.