Premedication for Ocrevus infusions

[erash]

Night before premed study to decrease reactions

multiplesclerosisnewstoday....

[Hidden]

Erash, it's Fancy. As far as premedication with ocrevus infusions the first thing you do when you get into the infusion center is get pre-medicated. The basic protocol is a take the equivalent dosage of two extra strength Tylenol and Benadryl. They give you IV Benadryl when they first start you out to make sure you have total coverage but I hate IV Benadryl knocks me on my backside something awful. They also tend to put fluids into you as you start your infusion. They put a dual IV port in your arm where they can put in Ocrevus infusion in the one port and a fluid infusion in the other port. They also request that you hydrate the night before as much as possible. So once you start the ocrevus protocol you will learn that they automatically follow the premedication suggestions the research shows. Then of course they keep you at the infusion center for approximately 5-6 hours. Sometimes a bit longer. So rest assured everyone that the ocrevus team at the infusion center is on top of the latest research and cares for you as the research suggests is best for infusion patients.

If anyone has any other questions post them out there and I'm sure those of us that are on ocrevus will share our common experiences with them. Thanks for all you do. This was a terrific And Timely post to let everyone know the protocols that are being followed and research as connected with ocrevus. The number of MS patients currently on this DMT are rising rapidly and dramatically. I hope everyone prays that we see the kind of results we all want in the two to two-and-a-half year anniversary of us being on this DMT. Remember everyone this is not a DMT that is designed to be a one-time treatment and you're cured. Number one there is at this point no cure yet for MS and number two, as with every single DMT I know of, there are multiple dosage required for this DMT, typically to last the rest of your life.

[greaterexp]

Thank you for posting this. It gives us information to discuss with our doctors and infusion center staff. It looks like a significant reduction in reactions can happen!

[RobertCalifornia]

I have been thru 5 Ocrevus infusion. My center follows the same protocol as Fancy1959 and I have had no reactions. I do need a driver because the Benadryl after the infusion makes me sleepy. The lady that has been next to me the last three infusions, yes planned that way for the last two, does not take the post infusion meds and drivers herself home. She is permanently in a wheelchair and has an adaptive van.

[erash]

Fancy1959 and RobertCalifornia yep, I prehydrate (because others have recommended —thank you Raingrrl I think) and receive Tylenol, Benadryl, and prednisone at the infusion center. This study just suggests adding certrizine (Zyrtec) and Pepcid (both antihistamines —tho the latter is an H2 blocker) the night prior to infusions to further mitigate infusion reactions. I think besides the standard protocol, some still do have reactions and perhaps this could help.🤷‍♀️

[Raingrrl]

Hi erash ..it might have been me that talked about hydration. I know that if I'm well hydrated, the infusions go smoother as do the injections of contrast for MRI's. I first learned about the importance of hydration when I had to have a spinal tap as part of the diagnosis process.

My infusion center seems to follow a little bit different protocol than Fancy1959 experiences. Its one IV port not a dual. I always am well hydrated and bring a large coffee with me that I sip throughout. My pre-meds are 2 Tylenol tablets, IV Benedryl and IV steriods. The Benedryl knocks me out for about an hour or so but then I'm fine after that. They sometimes give me a saline drip after the infusion during the wait period. For the two full doses I've had, I've been there 6+ hours. Thankfully, the only reaction I seem to have is the killer headache that can start the same day or next day. I drive myself to and from without any trouble. Its a half-hour drive each way if I don't hit traffic.

My last nurse said that since I'm doing well with the drug and the protocol and I'm experienced with infusions, I should be able to skip the wait period afterwards pretty soon. They know I'll call the doctor if anything happens and I've proven myself after 5+ years of Tysabri infusions. About half the nurses at this center have treated me multiple times during the past 6 years.

[erash]

That’s essentially the protocol they follow with me. No headache but I did have some itching and mild chest tightness the first time, so they increased the Benadryl the next infusion.

This research article simply offers another alternative for those who have had reactions. Premeditating the eve before w/ Zyrtec and Pepcid is a pretty easy add if someone needs to.