Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Cost, Side effects, Dosage, Uses for Multiple Sclerosis

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Cost, Side effects, Dosage, Uses for Multiple Sclerosis. The FDA granted approval of Ocrevus to Genentech, Inc.

US FDA approved Ocrevus that contains active pharmaceutical ingredient ocrelizumab ( monoclonal antibody) for the treatment episodal or recurring form of multiple sclerosis in adult patients. This is first drug approved for primary progressive multiple sclerosis by US FDA. This drug is administered in parenteral dosage form under the supervision of medically trained professional.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a kind of neuro-degenerative disease in which demyelination of nerve cells occurs. This damage imparts long lasting effects and impairs co-ordination system. Common manifestations of multiple sclerosis are vision disturbance, deceased muscle tone, difficulty in body movements, impaired sensation etc.

The exact etiological cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown to somehow but many researchers believed that auto-immune disorders, impaired myelination, genetic predisposition and viral infections act as triggering factors in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. There is no single magic bullet that can cure multiple sclerosis but it can be managed by utilizing combination of therapies. Multiple sclerosis is common in among all populations without regard to age and gender.

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab is a monoclonal antibody used as immunotherapy. It is termed as anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 marker on B lymphocytes.

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Side effects

According to data obtained from health authorities drug induced side effects were moderate to severe during clinical trails. These side effects are

• Hypersensitivity (Anaphylaxis)
• Infusion related reactions
• Generalized weakness
• Dizziness
• Hypotension
• Rashes
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory tract irritation
• Increased risk of malignancy

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Uses or Patient Information

Currently, there are number of therapies available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis but US FDA approved Ocrevus for the treatment of episodal or recurring for of multiple sclerosis that is less responsive to other drugs. This first drug approved by US FDA for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Dosage

This drug is formulated as 30mg/mL (300mg/10mL single-dose vial). However, standard dosage frequency of this drug is 300mg intravenously (IV) for the first time then after 2 weeks administer same dose. For subsequent doses inject 600mg after every 6 months.

Ocrevus/Ocrelizumab Cost/Price

This drug is administered by your healthcare practitioner (HCP), which usually means:

• It may comes under special items category.
• You cannot fill this prescription in a regular pharmacy. Your doctor, hospital, or clinic will provide this  medication because of possible complications or other issues.
• This drug is likely to be covered under your medical benefit if you have insurance.