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Ocrevus MS Therapy has been approved for
Primary Progressive MS!

Ocrevus, or ocrelizumab, is one of the newest drugs which has been approved by the FDA for treating Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis. It can be used to treat relapsing-remitting MS as well. The biggest break through though is for PPMS, since for many years there hasn't been any disease modifying treatments available to treat this form of MS. The Phase 3 trials actually showed slowing in the progression of disability for those with PPMS.

And as of 2025, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is one of the most prescribed treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). Ocrevus is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets B cells, which are believed to play a role in the inflammation and damage seen in MS.

What does that Mean?

If you aren't sure what that means, let’s break that down the way Cir's doctor does for us.

Imagine your body's immune system is like a big team of superheroes. Most of the time, these superheroes help keep you healthy by fighting off bad guys like germs and viruses. But in some people with multiple sclerosis (MS), some of these superheroes (specifically the B cells) start attacking the body’s own healthy parts, like the brain and spinal cord. It's like they're confused and start causing trouble instead of helping.

Now, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody is like a special superhero costume designed to stop these B cells from causing trouble. It has a very specific target: a marker called CD20 on the surface of B cells. When the monoclonal antibody attaches to the CD20 marker, it basically tells the body's defense system, "Hey, these B cells are causing trouble! Let's get rid of them." This helps reduce the attacks on the brain and spinal cord, making life easier for you if you have MS.

So, it's like giving the confused superheroes a new job where they can’t cause as much trouble anymore.

Hopefully that makes more sense.

How is it Administered?

A plus for many MSers is that you only have to take it once every six months. You may be given the choice of going to an infusion suite such as the one Cir goes to at the Oak Clinic in Uniontown, OH, your doctor's office, or receiving the infusion at home.  This may depend on the type of insurance you have also.

Ocrevus is then administered by intravenous infusion. The only thing is the infusion can take from 2 to 4 hours, plus an hour before, and an hour afterward. So, pack a few snacks, and your tablet or phone, because you would basically need to spend a several hours of your time away from home. Since it is only twice a year, that turns out to be more of a pro for most people who choose to go this route.

And according to the Ocrevus website, there is now the option to take a subcutaneous injection, called Ocrevus Zunovo. This may be an option only after you have not experienced any adverse reactions during the first year taking this medication. 

We've seen quite a few people in the infusion suite when Cir goes for his Tysabri infusion. They look quite cozy wrapped in a blanket, reading a book or tablet, or taking a nap. 

Ocrevus side effects

Of course it's not all rosy for Ocrevus patients. All medications have side effects unfortunately. Here's what you have to look forward to if you decide to go with this MS treatment. 

With most infusion therapies, you will be asked to stay for an hour or so after your first time receiving it. They will watch you for any adverse or allergic reactions to the medication. If you do experience any of the following, you may not be a good fit for this disease modifying therapy:

• itchy skin

• trouble breathing

• nausea

• shortness of breath

• rash

• throat irritation or pain

• headache

• fatigue

• hives

• feeling faint

• swelling of the throat

• fast heartbeat

• tiredness

• fever

• dizziness

• coughing or wheezing

• redness on your face (flushing)

For the Zunovo, you may experience pain at the injection site, swelling, or redness.

These are common allergic reactions to many medications. It may be something in the medicine that causes you to react to it. Depending on the severity of the reaction, your doctor may decide it is not for you. Any of the above can happen up to 24 hours later, as well. If they do, let your doctor know right away.

If you have had hepatitis B virus before, this medication may cause it to become active again. You may also be more susceptible to getting other types of infections as well as a life-threatening brain infection called PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy). In the past, there was no way to know if you had this until you actually got it, but now, there are tests that can monitor you to make sure you don't develop it. 

Let your doctor know if you have any neurological problems that last several days, such as thinking, eyesight, strength, balance, weakness on one side of your body, or using your arms or legs. Even if they aren't new but worsening. These are possible signs that you may be developing PML.

I hope this will help you come to a decision about whether this treatment may be right for you. After talking with your healthcare provider, it may be the best way forward for you. Cir often talks about switching, but his doctor feels that the one he's on, Tysabri, is the best one out there for now. We're still considering it though, possibly sometime in the future.

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