Ocrevus and IgG levels: I listened to a... - My MSAA Community

My MSAA Community

9,441 members21,224 posts

Ocrevus and IgG levels

erash profile image
18 Replies

I listened to a webinar for health care providers about MS immune dysfunction that included a deep overview of DMTs. The physician speaker mentioned checking IgG levels at baseline and yearly with Ocrevus.

My Neuro has not done this and I was wondering what others experiences were?

Thanks!

Written by
erash profile image
erash
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
18 Replies
kdali profile image
kdali

Nope, what’s the rationale? Is this webinar available to the public?

erash profile image
erash in reply tokdali

Rationale: IgG too low —> inc. infections

Webinars about MS every 2 weeks for providers (you qualify 😉) by catamount cMSc. If they send the recording, I will try to post here

kdali profile image
kdali in reply toerash

Was there a point in the infusion cycle that was best to check the level? How long to wait to check a lab when levels are too low? I believe my PCP will be interested in checking this if I ask. My neuro doesn’t check for CD19, or has not thus far. Thank you!! I would be very interested in watching/hearing those!

erash profile image
erash in reply tokdali

I asked, he said at baseline and then yearly while on Ocrevus. Good question about what to do if too low. I had cd19 checked once and then heard BCBS would no longer pay for that test

kdali profile image
kdali in reply toerash

I don’t have a baseline either. I wonder how low is too low for that also. I wonder why these things were not established during the years of rituximab 🤔Ugh. I guess it’s good they are still lying for the drug. We go generic soon? I wonder how that will go with insurance.

Ty so much for sharing all of the info, and for taking the time to participate in these webinars. 🙏

Elizt3 profile image
Elizt3

Mine hasn’t checked this. I have a follow up appointment next week so I’ll ask about this and see what he says.

erash profile image
erash in reply toElizt3

Please Let us know what they say?

erash profile image
erash

The Dr speaking was Dr Lubin. I’m going to research the IgG thing further because I’ve not ever heard this before...🤷‍♀️

kdali profile image
kdali

multiplesclerosisnewstoday.... found this, but it makes me less concerned until year 6 (hopefully I can keep it for that long).

erash profile image
erash in reply tokdali

Thanks. That’s good info to know. Although the Doc said the reason to check baseline is to assure you don’t have another reason for low IgG before starting. Maybe would be a good thing to monitor throughout (yearly) and catch early?

kdali profile image
kdali in reply toerash

Yes, I was thinking that too! I have never been on any other med and have no other conditions that would lower it...however, I have had 3 infections already, so maybe I should have it checked!

Sukie427 profile image
Sukie427

Interesting that they should say this. When I was researching DMTs for SPMS, I spoke to the neuro back in Florida who had dx'ed and treated me before I moved to AZ. He agreed with the Ocrevus recommendation (as did a good friend who is a breast surgeon, her oncologist partner, and my brother, who is a PharmD) and said that he did order IGg levels before each infusion. I spoke to my current neuro at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and he doesn't do that testing. I had my first infusion in August so I am due in February, but I did not have a significant drop in my immune functions, unlike when I was on Gilenya 10 years ago and my immune system crashed so badly that my neuro sent me to an immunologist. So without that sharp downward turn, I am not sure that he will want to test my IGg levels, but I am going to ask. Thanks, erash .

pamgarner profile image
pamgarner

i am sure it somehow has to do with insurance,glad to have it but they do make many decisions for us

My neuro has checked mine since starting treatment of any kind about every six months, I feel very fortunate to have the neurologist I have been with for most of my ms journey. She is very thorough and takes time to understand my experience with this disease. Hope this is helpful Rober

erash profile image
erash

After reading your responses and looking at the literature (to include Bart’s Prof G), I’m going to ask to have my IgG checked with next labs. Doesn’t seem like a big deal but just a precaution

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4

My Neuro did. She runs all kinds of tests every time I go see her. She says that these tests can show a multitude of problems if any before they show up elsewhere. She likes to look at the whole body rather than just one part.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs

No idea what this is, but looked at my Ocrevus biannual blood test results, and it was there.

You’ve got me curious I just checked my blood work from before my latest infusion and Neuro did actually order immuno globin check and mine was dead normal for all three . She never mentioned it.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Ocrevus and HSCT

This is what my neurologist wrote when I asked him about HSCT and Ocrevus. He kind of very nicely...
Ikeeptrying profile image

Ocrevus and age

I have heard that Ocrevus has little effect after a certain age. I am 76, so I am priobablyt above...
whwiechm profile image

Levothyroxine and Ocrevus

My doctor and I finally came to the conclusion that Ocrevus and Levothyroxine do not get along very...
hairbrain4 profile image

Aetna and ocrevus

Anyone have success on getting approved through Aetna. My second try , another dr recommended...
Wnmaddox123 profile image

Ocrevus and PPMS

Hi all. I'm new here and interested in others who have had their first Ocrevus infusion. I had my...
Ilia1392 profile image

Moderation team

See all
johnMSAA profile image
johnMSAAPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.