Ocrevus

[MsGelfling1]

I have read many questions about this drug. I've never heard of it and would like to know why so many people are nervous about getting this. I would also like to know what it does in the long run. Can you help me out?

[kdali]

You’ve probably heard of its sister, Rituximab (sp) for arthritis and off label MS. Iona60 posted a helpful 45 min video on Ocrevus.

No idea why anyone would be nervous about getting it 🤷‍♀️

It kills the B cells that carry the CD20 marker. It takes 6 to 9 months to repopulate those B cells. I hope in the long run it keeps your MS quiet. I have no clue how it does or can work for progressive forms on MS.

[greaterexp]

I think one thing that makes people nervous is just the time it's been on the market. Being newer, we don't have the years of a track record to reflect upon and learn from, thought the clinical trials take ages before it ever hits the market. We can't look at long term trends as we can now with older DMTs, like Copaxone. Another concern is the effect it may have on our immune systems, making us possibly more likely to be vulnerable to infections. Some have brought up concerns about a possible slightly increase in a few cancers, though I think that has been mostly dispelled. And since we all react differently to medicines, there is the concern that we may not like any potential side effects from the infusion.

One good thing is that research is pointing to Ocrevus' efficacy and safety. Another good thing is the substance of what I read about individual's experiences, most of which are very positive. As far as immediate infusion reactions, the infusions are generally given in a hospital or clinic setting with medicines readily available to counteract any possible reactions.

As always, we all have to research, as best we can, all of our options, compare them, and decide which we feel most comfortable with, understanding that it is usually possible to switch to another DMT if we can't handle the one we're on.

[Allen5280 in reply to greaterexp]

Thank you greaterexp , you did a better job of explaining it than I could have. 😁