Getting clear
about Ocrevus

Emma, UK


Living with MS since 2018


On Ocrevus since 2018

Switched to Ocrevus SC in 2024

Getting clear about Ocrevus

Emma, UK


Living with MS since 2018


On Ocrevus since 2018

Switched to Ocrevus SC in 2024

Right now, you’ll probably have lots of questions about Ocrevus. Here’s a brief overview to help you understand what this medicine is, how it works, and how it can help control your symptoms and slow down your disease.


What is MS? a quick reminder 

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease, in which your own immune system attacks the protective layer around your nerves by mistake. It does this using two different types of white blood cell, B cells and T cells.1


MS can cause many different symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty walking, muscle spasms and vision problems.2


What is Ocrevus?

Ocrevus is a medicine for adults who have either primary progressive MS (PPMS), like you, or relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).3


Ocrevus is classified as a highly effective disease modifying treatment (HE DMT). In primary progressive MS, research studies show that Ocrevus treatment significantly slows down the progression of your disease when compared to placebo.4 For example, it delays the deterioration of walking speed, which can help you keep walking.5


Patients on Ocrevus also show fewer signs of the disease being active, such as brain lesions.3


How will Ocrevus work in my body?

The active ingredient in Ocrevus is ‘ocrelizumab’, a type of protein called a ‘monoclonal antibody’. Antibodies work by attaching themselves to specific targets in your body.6


Ocrevus targets and removes specific B cells – a type of white blood cell that forms part of the immune system and plays a role in MS.6


Removing these cells reduces inflammation and attacks on the myelin sheath (the protective membrane around your nerves that keeps brain signals moving through the body). This can help to control the frequency and severity of symptoms and delay the worsening (progression) of your disease.3

 

This animation shows how Ocrevus works in your body.

Adrian

“Ocrevus fits well with my life, I just go away and get the treatment, come home and rest and relax” 

Adrian


who has relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), on Ocrevus IV infusion

Amy smiling

"I just want to be able to live my life and do what I need to do with my family... Ocrevus, for me, has enabled me to do that" 

Emma

Who has relapsing remitting MS, on Ocrevus subcutaneous injection

Amy smiling

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:

  1. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Immune Mediated Disease. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms/how-ms-affects-the-brain/immune-mediated-disease (Accessed March 2025).

  2. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms/ms-symptoms (Accessed March 2025).

  3. Ocrevus. 300 mg Concentrate for Solution for Infusion. Summary of Product Characteristics. Roche Products Limited.

  4. Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab). Available at https://mstrust.org.uk/a-z/ocrevus-ocrelizumab (Accessed August 2024).

  5. Ocrevus. 920 mg Solution for Injection. Summary of Product Characteristics. Roche Products Limited.
  6. Ocrevus. Patient Information Leaflet. Ocrevus 300 mg Concentrate for Solution for Infusion Ocrelizumab. Roche Products Limited.