Although the infusion itself will take 2 to 3.5 hours, you’ll be there for up to 6 hours (the length of treatment can vary from person to person). This allows time for checking in, having your pre-medications, and being monitored after the infusion to ensure you feel OK.

The nurse or doctor will gently put a cannula into a vein in your arm, and the Ocrevus medication will enter your bloodstream over a period of 2 to 3.5 hours,¹ although the length of treatment can vary from person to person.

You may feel a little discomfort when the needle is inserted into a vein on your arm, especially if you’re sensitive to needles.

In many hospitals, this hasn’t been allowed since the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s best to check with your own hospital about their policy. 

Yes, you can, and some infusion rooms even provide refreshments – though this isn’t always the case. Many patients recommend having a good breakfast before you leave for hospital and bringing your own snacks and drinks with you. 

Some people may feel a little sick and tired afterwards, and the tiredness can last a few days. If you work, talk to your employers in advance, and if you’ll need childcare or help at home, plan for that too. 

As you won't know how you'll feel after your infusion, it’s a good idea to arrange transport to and from the hospital in advance and to ask someone to drive you. Your doctor will tell you whether your MS or your treatment may affect your ability to drive safely.¹

Some people do get reactions to the infusion, particularly the first time. These may look and feel like an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching and rashes.¹

As Ocrevus works to calm down the immune system, there’s also a chance of getting infections, so some people develop symptoms like a cough or fever.¹

Find out more about side effects here.

Always let your MS team know, straight away. It’s especially important to tell them if you’re having symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, cough, rashes, cold sores or genital sores. If you have any infusion reaction symptoms, such as itchy skin, a rash, a headache, or shortness of breath within 24 hours of your Ocrevus infusion, tell your MS team or nurse straight away.¹

Ocrevus works to suppress MS disease activity, and so you may or may not feel better after treatment. If you have primary progressive MS (PPMS), you may find that you can maintain the same walking pace for longer.²

Your doctor also may tell you about signs that the disease isn’t actively progressing in your body (for example, new areas of disease activity aren't forming).

Don’t panic. To get the full benefit of Ocrevus, you need to receive each infusion when it’s due. So, if you miss an infusion of Ocrevus for any reason, talk to your MS team to arrange to have it as soon as possible.¹ Don’t wait until your next planned infusion. 

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, are already pregnant, or think you could be pregnant, discuss with your MS team before starting Ocrevus treatment. It is advised to use contraception while you are on Ocrevus and for 4 months after your last Ocrevus infusion. If you would like further information around family planning, please discuss this with your medical team.¹

Yes, you can breastfeed while on Ocrevus treatment. You should wait until a few days after birth before re-starting Ocrevus. If you have any questions, your MS team can advise you on the best way to feed your baby.¹

Yes, you can – but be aware that all travel vaccinations must take place at least 6 weeks before your first Ocrevus treatment.¹ Also, do talk to your medical team before you book, to make sure you won’t miss an infusion or appointment.

The infusion procedure delivers the Ocrevus medication via a drip into a vein in your arm.¹ An injection involves a dose of Ocrevus injected under your skin.³