Should you get vaccines like tenatnus shot shingle pneumonia shot prior to starting ocrevus?

[mm1527mm]

I was told vaccines are less effective once you start ocrevus

[Kenu]

I am not on ocrevus but have heard many of them say they have done this. I am on Aubagio and finished with all of these shots couple months ago ✅. I have heard it is recommended. Ken 🐾🐾

[mm1527mm in reply to Kenu]

Thank you!

[Raingrrl]

Hi mm1527mm ! It’s true that vaccines are less effective while taking Ocrevus. Here is a link to a good article about this posted by Ms-Indestructible awhile back: multiplesclerosisnewstoday....

Because Ocrevus kills off B cells that vaccines need to activate, any vaccinations have to be carefully timed to maximize the effect. This is true of all the biologics that target B cells.

[mm1527mm in reply to Raingrrl]

Thank you!

[rjoneslaw]

I just started o my 1st half was June and my 2nd was July 9 and I didn’t get any vaccinations

[mm1527mm in reply to rjoneslaw]

Thanks. Im supposed to start ocrevus sept 9 wasn’t told to get any. Do you know about any leukemia side effects? I was told in other countries who had ocrevus out longer

[rjoneslaw in reply to mm1527mm]

I haven’t heard that but there’s risk with everything so you have pick n choose your battles

[mm1527mm in reply to rjoneslaw]

This is true. And at this point i feel like doing nothing would not be good and seems many people on tecfidera go to ocrevus so i was thinking of starting with ocrevus in hopes it will get it under control early on rather than progress

[rjoneslaw in reply to mm1527mm]

I’m one of those people. I wish I had been on o from the start

[pamgarner]

my dr does blood work for shingles and hepatitis b before each ocrevus treatment to make sure my shots are still active and I don't have hep b.I believe you have to have shingles at least 6 weeks out, talk to dr. not sure

[mm1527mm in reply to pamgarner]

Thank you. How has ocrevus been for you? Any side effects?

[greaterexp]

Though my neurologist didn't say anything about immunizations before starting Ocrevus, I researched it myself, and then talked with my PCP. Her recommendation was to get any immunizations at least 2-3 weeks before starting Ocrevus. She tested me for immunity to Hep B, and measles, mumps, and rubella. I had the two Shingrix vaccines and a flu shot, but have been delayed about starting Ocrevus. From what I understand, one may still have necessary immunizations while on Ocrevus, but they may be less effective, and they may be timed toward the time of the next infusion, when your B cells may be more plentiful. Ask your doctors. For me, I wanted the Shingrix vaccine even if it meant a small delay in starting Ocrevus.

By the way, there is an Ocrevus group (at least one) on Facebook should you decide to go with Ocrevus.

[mm1527mm in reply to greaterexp]

Great to know. Thank you. Have you heard anything about side effects of leukemia with ocrevus at all?

[greaterexp in reply to mm1527mm]

I have not read anything suggesting that Ocrevus increases the risk of leukemia.

[mm1527mm in reply to greaterexp]

Thank you! That is good to know i begin my first treatment sept 9 and have been getting a little anxious

[greaterexp in reply to mm1527mm]

Did you discuss immunizations with your neurologist? I'm happy for you to be starting on something that shows such great efficacy!

[mm1527mm in reply to greaterexp]

I did and he said given my age he didnt think i needed shingles or pneumonia. The only one he said was flu shot but he said its not out yet. So not sure about the immunizations hopefully it will be ok

[pamgarner]

I have not had any new lesions which according to my dr that is a success I am on my 4th treatment,I go to dr this month i have not seen him since my last treatment.I will stay on it until and if it stops working.It has worked for me,now I have secondary ms so I did not get back anything I lost but nothing new, so I say success

[mm1527mm in reply to pamgarner]

Great to hear thank you