Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab).
Cancer: Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) may increase the risk of cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
Depression: People with MS may be more likely to develop symptoms of depression. If you have depression or have had it in the past, discuss with your doctor how Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or thoughts of self-harm, or notice them in a family member who is taking Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Hypersensitivity reactions: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people with the use of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab). This reaction involves a number of organs in the body and may be fatal if not treated quickly. Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Infusion reactions: Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) can cause a hypersensitivity or infusion reaction. Symptoms of this type of reaction generally appear during the infusion of the medication and may include flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. These reactions can cause death if a health care provider is not informed immediately. If you experience any of these symptoms, or notice them happening to someone, let your nurse or doctor know immediately. You may be given medications before receiving your dose of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) to reduce the risk of an infusion reaction. Your doctor will probably have you remain at the clinic or hospital for an hour after your infusion to ensure that any infusion reaction can be quickly treated.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab). PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.
Serious infections: Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) can affect the way your body's natural defences work to fight infection. This makes the body more likely to develop infections due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This effect is increased if you are taking Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) with other medications that reduce the body's ability to fight infection. For some people, these infections have been fatal. If you have a history of chronic or frequent infections, discuss with your doctor how Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of a serious infection, such as fever, chills, headache, flu-like symptoms, feeling tired, cough, blood in the sputum, shortness of breath, night sweats, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, frequency or burning while passing urine, redness or swelling of skin or joint, cold sores, tooth pain, or new or worsening pain in any part of the body.
Vaccinations: It is not known how effective vaccines may be after treatment with Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab). Certain immunizations may be dangerous if given while receiving or shortly after receiving a treatment course of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab). Before starting treatment with Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), check with your doctor to ensure your immunizations are up to date.
Pregnancy: Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) crosses the placenta and it is not known whether use of Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) during pregnancy will affect the developing baby. Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), contact your doctor immediately.
Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control when receiving Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) and for at least 6 months after the course of treatment.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) have not been established for children.
