PPMS
How to prepare for your Ocrevus infusion day
Pim, UK
Living with MS since 2021
On Ocrevus since 2021
Amy, UK
Living with MS since 2018
On Ocrevus since 2021
How to prepare for your Ocrevus infusion day
Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for your treatment. The main advice is: organise in advance so you can take things easy!
Book the day off work, or arrange childcare, if you need to.
Plan your transport to and from hospital. Your MS team will tell you whether your MS or your treatment may affect your ability to drive safely.1
Wear comfy clothes with loose sleeves, as the infusion will usually be delivered into your arm.
Bring things that make you feel comfortable and help pass the time – e.g. a good book or puzzle, and your smartphone or tablet with headphones or earphones, so you can watch a movie or listen to music.
You can eat and drink throughout your infusion day, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water with you.
Don’t forget your wallet in case you need to pay for parking or buy anything at the hospital.
If you work, let your employers know in advance that you are receiving this treatment and you're not sure how you'll feel for a few days after your infusion.
If you’ll need help with childcare or household chores, plan ahead for that too.
Watch the video below to hear about how you can prepare for your infusion
Things your doctor should know
Before your infusion, tell your doctor if:1
- You have an infection – your doctor will wait until you no longer have an infection before giving you Ocrevus
- You’ve had, or you carry, hepatitis B
- You have cancer, or have had it in the past – your doctor may decide to delay your treatment
- You’ve recently had a vaccine, or may have one soon (any vaccinations should be given at least 6 weeks before you start treatment)
- You’re planning on travelling somewhere that requires vaccinations at any point while you are on Ocrevus treatment: these should be given at least 6 weeks before you start treatment. Some vaccinations shouldn’t be given while you’re on Ocrevus, so check with your doctor if you need any before you start your Ocrevus treatment
- You’re taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines – especially medicines that affect the immune system. If this applies to you or you are not sure, talk to your doctor before you are given Ocrevus
- You’re pregnant or think you may be. If you could become pregnant, you should use contraception during treatment and for 4 months after your last Ocrevus infusion
- You may be allergic to any of the active ingredients in Ocrevus or any of the other ingredients in this medicine
"I wanted something that I could take and forget about"
Pim
Who has relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) on Ocrevus IV infusion
Some people don’t experience any side effects after their infusion.1 But others do get reactions to Ocrevus, particularly the first time. While having your infusion in hospital, and shortly afterwards, you’ll be monitored to help you manage any reactions.1
But if you do experience any side effects or health changes once you’re home, or at any time during the period of your treatment with Ocrevus, tell your doctor or nurse straight away.1
The most common side effects from taking Ocrevus are infusion-related reactions – that is, any reactions your body has from receiving Ocrevus through an intravenous (IV) drip. These tend to be allergy-type symptoms, such as skin redness, itching and rashes.1
Ocrevus targets and removes B cells, a type of white blood cell, that are part of the immune system and play a role in causing MS.1 You could get infections more easily with Ocrevus because the immune cells that Ocrevus targets also help to fight infection.1
Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop symptoms of infection such as:1
- fever
- chills
- shingles
- cough that does not go away
- cold sores or genital sores
Please see your Patient Information Leaflet for a full list of infection-related symptoms.
Watch the video below to hear about what side effects some people may experience
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Please report suspected side effects to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme, via the Yellow card website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or the free Yellow Card app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You should also report side effects to Roche Products Ltd. by emailing the Roche Drug Safety Centre at welwyn.uk_dsc@roche.com or calling +44 (0) 1707 367554. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How you'll feel after your infusion
On the day:
It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, especially if this is your first infusion. Planning around your infusion can make things easier, and help you relax.
You may want to:
- arrange your transport to and from the hospital in advance. Your doctor will tell you whether your MS or your treatment may affect your ability to drive safely.1
- rest when you get home. Buy some easy-to-prepare food in advance or ask someone to cook for you.
Next few days:
Some people may feel tired – consider planning a relaxing evening or two at home.
Watch the video below to hear about how you might feel after your Ocrevus treatment.
How you’ll feel after stopping Ocrevus treatment:
You should continue your treatment for as long as you and your doctor decide that it is helping you. However, after you stop Ocrevus, you may still experience side effects until your B cells gradually return to normal levels. This generally takes from 6 months to 2 and a half years (though, in rare cases, it can take up to several years).1
Before you start any other medicines, tell your doctor when you had your last Ocrevus dose.1
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Please report suspected side effects to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme, via the Yellow card website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or the free Yellow Card app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You should also report side effects to Roche Products Ltd. by emailing the Roche Drug Safety Centre at welwyn.uk_dsc@roche.com or calling +44 (0) 1707 367554. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
References:
- Ocrevus. Patient Information Leaflet. Ocrevus 300 mg Concentrate for Solution for Infusion Ocrelizumab. Roche Products Limited.