Information about Ocrelizumab

Generic Name : Ocrelizumab
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Ocrelizumab are provided here.

Pronunciation : OK-re-LIZ-ue-mab

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Ocrelizumab, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Monoclonal antibodies

Trade Names/Brand Names of Ocrelizumab

India :

Ocrevus

Overview of Ocrelizumab

• Ocrelizumab is a human monoclonal antibody and the first US FDA drug approved for the treatment of the primary progressive form of multiple sclerosis.

Why is Ocrelizumab Prescribed? (Indications)

Ocrelizumab is prescribed for treating adult patients who suffer from either the remitting or relapsing form or primary progressive form of multiple sclerosis.
It is a humanized anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody which works by stopping some of the cells of the immune system from inducing damage.
Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the nerves do not work properly; the patients may feel numbness, lack of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control.

When should Ocrelizumab not be taken? (Contraindications)

Ocrelizumab should not be used in patients-

• Allergic to ocrelizumab drug
• Active infection or carrier of Hepatitis B virus
• Any case of existing infections
• Taking immunosuppressive medications
• Children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy of ocrelizumab injection in children has not been established

What is the dosage of Ocrelizumab?

• The recommended adult dose is-

Initial dose: 300mg of infusion done intravenously followed 2 weeks later with another 300mg of intravenous infusion.
Maintenance dose: 600mg of infusion intravenously for every 6 months.

How should Ocrelizumab be taken?

• Ocrelizumab comes as a solution which has to be injected intravenously or directly into the vein.
• The injection has to be inspected for the presence of any visible particles or cloudy appearance or discoloration if any and should be discarded if present.
• The intended dose has to be withdrawn and should be diluted into an infusion bag containing 0.9% sodium chloride injection before administering. The preparation process must be handled by healthcare specialists strictly under aseptic techniques.
• Ocrelizumab injection should not be diluted with other diluents except 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

Missed a Dose?

• If a scheduled dose of infusion is missed, do not wait for the next dose but take the missed dose as early as possible.
• The next dose can be reset after 6 months from the time of the missed dose. It is advised to have a time interval of at least 5 months between the two doses of infusions.

What are the warnings and precautions for Ocrelizumab?

• Women of childbearing age should follow effective birth control strategies to avoid getting pregnant while taking ocrelizumab and should continue the prevention for at least 6 months after the last dose of ocrelizumab.

• Ocrelizumab has a chance of developing some cancers and it is necessary to be under the supervision of a specialist during the treatment to diagnose any new cancer illness.

• Patients are advised about the occurrence of infusion reactions (pruritus, rash, bronchospasm) during the infusion and 1 hour after the infusion. Caution is required to observe that the infusion reactions can reoccur up to 24 hours after the infusion.

• It is important to screen and treat the patient for hepatitis B or any form of active infection before initiating ocrelizumab therapy.

• If a serious or life-threatening infusion reaction occurs, then ocrelizumab infusion should be stopped or permanently discontinued and adequate supportive treatment should be carried out.

What are the side effects of Ocrelizumab?

• Common: Injection site reactions (pain or redness), respiratory infections
• Gastrointestinal: Bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Central nervous system: Irritability, lack of interest, difficulty in sleeping or concentrating, depression
• Musculoskeletal: Back pain, pain in the extremities
• Respiratory: Sneezing, sore throat, cough, difficulty in breathing
• Others: Herpes virus related infections, reduced neutrophil counts, skin related infections

What are the other precautions for Ocrelizumab?

• The infusion rate can be reduced to half for at least 30 minutes in case of mild to moderate infusion reactions.
• The prepared solution before infusing should be brought to room temperature. The diluted solution should be stored either in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C for 24 hours or for 8 hours at room temperature including the infusion time.

What are the Drug Interactions of Ocrelizumab?

• All necessary immunizations should be taken at least 6 weeks before starting ocrelizumab treatment. Live vaccines should not be administered during the ocrelizumab therapy as the effect of the vaccine may be reduced.
• Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory drug or natalizumab should not be used along with ocrelizumab because of the incidence of serious and potentially life-threatening infections such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).