Ocrelizumab
Also sold as: Ocrevus, Ocrevus Zunovo
Related Medications
These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.
Classification: Antibodies, Monoclonal (source: RxClass/NLM)
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- adalimumabAntibodies, MonoclonalSame Class
- rituximabCD20-directed Cytolytic AntibodySame Class
- ublituximabCD20-directed Cytolytic AntibodySame Class
- ofatumumabCD20-directed Cytolytic AntibodySame Class
- obinutuzumabCD20-directed Cytolytic AntibodySame Class
Insurance Coverage User-Reported
No community coverage data yet for ocrelizumab.
Coverage data submission coming soon.
Drug Information
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanism by which ocrelizumab exerts its therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown, but is presumed to involve binding to CD20, a cell surface antigen present on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. Following cell surface binding to B lymphocytes, ocrelizumab results in antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE OCREVUS is indicated for the treatment of: Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults Primary progressive MS, in adults OCREVUS is a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody indicated for the treatment of: Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults ( 1 ) Primary progressive MS, in adults ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before initiating OCREVUS, screen for Hepatitis B virus and obtain serum quantitative immunoglobulins, aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin ( 2.1 ) Pre-medicate with methylprednisolone (or an equivalent corticosteroid) and an antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine) prior to each infusion ( 2.2 ) Administer OCREVUS by intravenous infusion Start dose: 300 mg intravenous infusion, followed two weeks later by a second 300 mg intravenous infusion ( 2.3 ) Subsequent doses: 600 mg intravenous infusion every 6 months ( 2.3 ) Must be diluted prior to administration ( 2.3 , 2.6 ) Monitor patients closely during and for at least one hour after infusion ( 2.3 , 2.5 ) 2.1 Assessments Prior to First Dose of OCREVUS Hepatitis B Virus Screening Prior to initiating OCREVUS, perform Hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening. OCREVUS is contraindicated in patients with active HBV confirmed by positive results for HBsAg and anti-HBV tests. For patients who are negative for surface antigen [HBsAg] and positive for HB core antibody [HBcAb+] or are carriers of HBV [HBsAg+], consult liver disease experts before starting and during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Serum Immunoglobulins Prior to initiating OCREVUS, perform testing for quantitative serum immunoglobulins [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . For patients with low serum immunoglobulins, consult immunology experts before initiating treatment with OCREVUS. Vaccinations Because vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and after discontinuation until B-cell repletion, administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of OCREVUS for live or live-attenuated vaccines and, whenever possible, at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of OCREVUS for non-live vaccines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Liver Function Tests Prior to initiating OCREVUS, obtain serum aminotransferases (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . 2.2 Preparation Before Every Infusion Infection Assessment Prior to every infusion of OCREVUS, determine whether there is an active infection. In case of active infection, delay infusion of OCREVUS until the infection resolves [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Recommended Premedication Pre-medicate with 100 mg of methylprednisolone (or an equivalent corticosteroid) administered intravenously approximately 30 minutes prior to each OCREVUS infusion to reduce the frequency and severity of infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Pre-medicate with an antihistamine (e.g., diphenhydramine) approximately 30-60 minutes prior to each OCREVUS infusion to further reduce the frequency and severity of infusion reactions. The addition of an antipyretic (e.g., acetaminophen) may also be considered. 2.3 Recommended Dosage and Dose Administration Administer OCREVUS under the close supervision of an experienced healthcare professional with access to appropriate medical support to manage severe reactions such as serious infusion reactions. Initial dose: 300 mg intravenous infusion, followed two weeks later by a second 300 mg intravenous infusion. Subsequent doses: single 600 mg intravenous infusion every 6 months. Observe the patient for at least one hour after the completion of the infusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Table 1 Recommended Dose, Infusion Rate, and Infusion Duration for RMS and PPMS Amount and Volume Solutions of OCREVUS for intravenous infusion are prepared by dilution of the drug product into an infusion bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, to a final drug concentration of approximately 1.2 mg/mL. Infusion Rate and Duration Infusion time may take longer if the infusion is interrupted or slowed [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Initial Dose (two infusions) Infusion 1 300 mg in 250 mL Start at 30 mL per hour Increase by 30 mL per hour every 30 minutes Maximum: 180 mL per hour Duration: 2.5 hours or longer Infusion 2 (2 weeks later) 300 mg in 250 mL Subsequent Doses (one infusion) every 6 months) Administer the first Subsequent Dose 6 months after Infusion 1 of the Initial Dose. Option 1 Infusion of approximately 3.5 hours duration 600 mg in 500 mL Start at 40 mL per hour Increase by 40 mL per hour every 30 minutes Maximum: 200 mL per hour Duration: 3.5 hours or longer OR Option 2 (If no prior serious infusion reaction with any previous OCREVUS infusion) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Infusion of approximately 2 hours duration 600 mg in 500 mL Start at 100 mL per hour for the first 15 minutes Increase to 200 mL per hour for the next 15 minutes Increase to 250 mL per hour for the next 30 minutes Increase to 300 mL per hour for the remaining 60 minutes Duration: 2 hours or longer 2.4 Delayed or
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Infusion Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Reduction in Immunoglobulins [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Immune-Mediated Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] The most common adverse reactions were: RMS (incidence ≥10% and > REBIF ® ): upper respiratory tract infections and infusion reactions ( 6.1 ) PPMS (incidence ≥10% and > placebo): upper respiratory tract infections, infusion reactions, skin infections, and lower respiratory tract infections ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of OCREVUS has been evaluated in 1311 patients across MS clinical studies, which included 825 patients in active-controlled clinical trials in patients with relapsing forms of MS (RMS) and 486 patients in a placebo-controlled study in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS). Adverse Reactions in Patients with Relapsing Forms of MS In active-controlled clinical trials (Study 1 and Study 2), 825 patients with RMS received OCREVUS 600 mg intravenously every 24 weeks (initial treatment was given as two separate 300 mg infusions at Weeks 0 and 2) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ]. The overall exposure in the 96-week controlled treatment periods was 1448 patient-years. The most common adverse reactions in RMS trials (incidence ≥ 10%) were upper respiratory tract infections and infusion reactions. Table 2 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in RMS trials (Study 1 and Study 2). Table 2 Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients with RMS with an Incidence of at least 5% for OCREVUS and Higher than REBIF Adverse Reactions Studies 1 and 2 OCREVUS 600 mg IV Every 24 Weeks The first dose was given as two separate 300 mg infusions at Weeks 0 and 2. (n=825) % REBIF 44 mcg SQ 3 Times per Week (n=826) % Upper respiratory tract infections 40 33 Infusion reactions 34 10 Depression 8 7 Lower respiratory tract infections 8 5 Back pain 6 5 Herpes virus- associated infections 6 4 Pain in extremity 5 4 Adverse Reactions in Patients with Primary Progressive MS In a placebo-controlled clinical trial (Study 3), a total of 486 patients with PPMS received one course of OCREVUS (600 mg of OCREVUS administered as two 300 mg infusions two weeks apart) given intravenously every 24 weeks and 239 patients received placebo intravenously [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. The overall exposure in the controlled treatment period was 1416 patient-years, with median treatment duration of 3 years. The most common adverse reactions in the PPMS trial (incidence ≥ 10%) were upper respiratory tract infections, infusion reactions, skin infections, and lower respiratory tract infections. Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in the PPMS trial (Study 3). Table 3 Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients with PPMS with an Incidence of at least 5% for OCREVUS and Higher than Placebo Adverse Reactions Study 3 OCREVUS 600 mg IV Every 24 Weeks One dose of OCREVUS (600 mg administered as two 300 mg infusions two weeks apart) Placebo (n=486) % (n=239) % Upper respiratory tract infections 49 43 Infusion reactions 40 26 Skin infections 14 11 Lower respiratory tract infections 10 9 Cough 7 3 Diarrhea 6 5 Edema peripheral 6 5 Herpes virus associated infections 5 4 Adverse Reactions in Patients who Received 2-hour Infusions Study 4 was designed to characterize the safety profile of OCREVUS infusions administered over 2 hours in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis who did not experience a serious infusion reaction with any previous OCREVUS infusion. In this study, the incidence, intensity, and types of symptoms of infusion reactions were consistent with those of infusions administered over 3.5 hours [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Laboratory Abnormalities Decreased Immunoglobulins OCREVUS decreased total immunoglobulins with the greatest decline seen in IgM levels; however, a decrease in IgG levels was associated with an increased rate of serious infections. In the active-controlled (RMS) trials (Study 1 and Study 2), the proportion of patients at baseline reporting IgG, IgA, and IgM below the lower limit of normal (LLN) in OCREVUS-treated patients was 0.5%, 1.5%, and 0.1%, respectively. Following treatment, the proportion of OCREVUS-treated patients reporting IgG, IgA, and I
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS 7.1 Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Therapies The concomitant use of OCREVUS and other immune-modulating or immunosuppressive therapies, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids, is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering immunosuppressive therapies with OCREVUS. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone, consider the duration and mode of action of these drugs because of additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating OCREVUS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. 7.2 Vaccinations A Phase 3b randomized, open-label study examined the concomitant use of OCREVUS and several non-live vaccines in adults 18-55 years of age with relapsing forms of MS (68 subjects undergoing treatment with OCREVUS at the time of vaccination and 34 subjects not undergoing treatment with OCREVUS at the time of vaccination). Concomitant exposure to OCREVUS attenuated antibody responses to tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, and seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines. The impact of the observed attenuation on vaccine effectiveness in this patient population is unknown. The safety and effectiveness of live or live-attenuated vaccines administered concomitantly with OCREVUS have not been assessed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS OCREVUS is contraindicated in patients with: Active HBV infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] A history of life-threatening infusion reaction to OCREVUS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Active hepatitis B virus infection ( 4 ) History of life-threatening infusion reaction to OCREVUS ( 4 )
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Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from FDA-approved labeling data and is for educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. This information does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always verify with current prescribing information and consult a licensed healthcare professional before any clinical decision. Read full disclaimer.
Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.