Ocrevus Infusion (Ocrelizumab) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Ocrelizumab (sold as Ocrevus) is a medicine given as a drip into your vein that works by targeting and reducing certain white blood cells (called B cells) in your immune system that mistakenly attack the protective covering of your nerves.

What is it used for?

Multiple sclerosis (a disease where the body's immune system attacks the nervescausing weaknessnumbnessdifficulty walkingand vision problems)

Browse by condition

Rheumatoid Arthritis

How it works

Binds to CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, depleting pathogenic B cells and reducing autoimmune-mediated demyelination of central nervous system nerves. This suppresses the abnormal immune response responsible for multiple sclerosis progression.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

Quick Interaction Check

Is Ocrelizumab safe to take with another drug?

Check with multiple drugs →

Similar drugs

Satralizumab

Explore this drug

How to take this drug

This is NOT a tablet — it is given as an infusion (drip) into your vein at a hospital or clinic by a trained healthcare worker. The first dose is split into two 300mg infusions given two weeks apart. After that, you receive one 600mg infusion every 6 months. Each session takes several hours, and you will be monitored during and after the infusion.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss your scheduled infusion appointment, contact your doctor or hospital as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to wait until the next 6-month cycle — your doctor will advise you on the best time to get your next dose.

What to watch out for

This medicine is only available at specialist hospitals and must be administered by trained healthcare professionals — do not attempt to source or administer it yourself. Make sure to keep all your scheduled infusion appointments, as missing doses can reduce how well the drug works. Always inform any doctor or dentist treating you that you are on this medication, as it affects your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

Common Side Effects

Reactions during or after the infusion such as itching
rash
or feeling flushed; increased risk of catching infections like colds and coughs; headache; body pain or tiredness

Serious Side Effects

Severe infusion reactions such as difficulty breathing
swelling of the throat
dizziness
or chest pain — tell the medical team immediately; serious infections with high fever
body weakness
or infections that won't go away — see a doctor urgently; signs of a rare brain infection such as confusion
vision changes
or weakness on one side of the body — go to the hospital immediately

Drug Interactions

Other medicines that suppress the immune system (like steroids or drugs for autoimmune conditions) can increase your risk of serious infections when combined with ocrelizumab; live vaccines (like yellow fever vaccine) should not be taken while on this drug — inform your doctor before any vaccination; discuss all medicines you are currently taking with your doctor before starting treatment

Check your specific combination

Is it safe to take Ocrelizumab with your other drugs?

Check →

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Ocrelizumab is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — women who can get pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose, and should consult their doctor before planning a pregnancy.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to ocrelizumab or any of its ingredients; people with active hepatitis B infection; people with severe active infections — your doctor must treat the infection first before starting this drug; people with severely weakened immune systems

How to Store

Ocrevus is stored and handled at the hospital or clinic where you receive it. It must be kept in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light. You will not need to store this drug at home.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Ocrevus