The injection itself only takes about 10 minutes,¹ though this can vary. But you should expect the total treatment time to be up to 2 hours, whether in the hospital or at home. This is because you’ll have a check-in first, to make sure you're OK to have the injection, take your pre-injection medications (steroid, antihistamine and possibly an antipyretic), receive your injection; then, after the injection, you'll be closely monitored for at least 1 hour after.¹

For future doses, this observation is optional, so your doctor or nurse may decide it's not necessary.

The nurse or doctor will find a place on your stomach area which isn’t red, tender or hard. They will carefully inject the Ocrevus medication into the layer of fatty tissue under the skin on your abdominal area.¹ 

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

It may be possible for your Ocrevus injections to be given to you at home, if your service is able to support this. If so, your dose of Ocrevus will be delivered to your home, and it will be administered by a trained healthcare professional. The healthcare professional will also administer your pre-medications and will have medications at hand, in case you experience any reactions.¹

If you’re having your injection at home, it’s fine to invite a friend or relative to be there. However, in many hospitals this hasn’t been allowed since the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you’re having your injection in hospital, it’s best to check with them about their policy.

Yes, you can, and some injection rooms even provide refreshments – though this isn’t always the case. Many patients recommend having a good breakfast, and suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks with you if you’re having your treatment in hospital.

Because you don't know how you'll feel after your injection, it’s a good idea to arrange transport in advance if you’re going to the hospital, and to ask someone to drive you – at least for your first injection. Your doctor will tell you whether your MS or your treatment may affect your ability to drive safely.¹

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. 

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

Because 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. Reactions to injection such as skin redness, pain, swelling and itching are quite common, so don’t be surprised if you do get them. The majority of them will go away on their own or can be managed with paracetamol or antihistamines.¹

It’s also important to tell your MS team if you’re having symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, cough, shingles, cold sores or genital sores, and at any time during your Ocrevus treatment.¹

Ocrevus works to suppress MS disease activity, and so you may or may not feel better after treatment. If you have relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), you may notice longer gaps between episodes of symptoms (relapses).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 injection when it’s due. So, if you miss an injection of Ocrevus for any reason, talk to your MS team to arrange to have it as soon as possible. Don’t wait until your next planned injection. ¹

The injection procedure involves a dose of Ocrevus injected into the layer of fat under your skin.¹ An infusion procedure delivers the Ocrevus medication via an intravenous (IV) drip into a vein in your arm.³

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, are already pregnant, or think you could be pregnant, discuss with your doctor before starting Ocrevus treatment. It is advised to use contraception while you are on Ocrevus and for 4 months after your last Ocrevus injection. 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 Ocrevus treatment.¹ Also, do talk to your medical team before you book, to make sure you won’t miss an injection or appointment.