Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) Treatment:
What Is Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab)?
Ocrevus (active ingredient: ocrelizumab) is one of the modern biological treatments used in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment. It targets certain B lymphocytes in the immune system to reduce the inflammation caused by the disease.
Effectiveness, Treatment Process and Follow-up in MS
Ocrevus is used particularly to control disease activity, reduce new relapses and prevent new lesions on MRI.
Ocrevus is now an important approved treatment option for both relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS).
Which MS Patients Is Ocrevus Used For?
Ocrevus is not a suitable treatment for every MS patient. The decision should be made after evaluating the patient’s clinical features and disease activity.
Ocrevus may be preferred in the following situations:
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- MS with high disease activity
- Patients with new lesions on MRI
- Patients with ongoing disease activity despite other treatments
- Suitable patients diagnosed with primary progressive MS
The choice of treatment must always be made by a neurologist.
How Does Ocrevus Work?
In MS the immune system mistakenly attacks brain and spinal cord tissue.
Ocrevus targets B cells carrying a surface protein called CD20. By reducing the number of these cells, it:
- Reduces inflammation in the nervous system
- Limits the formation of new lesions
- Lowers relapse frequency
- Helps slow disease progression
For this reason Ocrevus is considered one of the high-efficacy MS treatments today.
How Is Ocrevus Given?
Ocrevus is an intravenous infusion treatment.
The first treatment is given as:
- A 300 mg infusion
- A second 300 mg infusion two weeks later
After that, treatment continues with:
- A 600 mg infusion every 6 months
Certain blood tests and clinical evaluations are carried out before and after treatment.
What Are the Advantages of Ocrevus?
The main advantages of Ocrevus are:
High Effectiveness
Clinical studies have shown:
- A marked reduction in relapses
- Fewer new MRI lesions
- Control of disease activity
Infrequent Dosing
Unlike many MS medicines, it does not require daily or weekly use.
Being given only twice a year can improve adherence.
An Option for Primary Progressive MS
It is one of the few treatments shown to be effective in primary progressive MS.
Possible Side Effects of Ocrevus
As with any treatment, some side effects may occur with Ocrevus.
The most common are:
- Infusion reactions
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Mild infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
More rarely:
- Serious infections
- Immune-related complications
may occur.
Regular follow-up is therefore extremely important.
What Tests Are Done Before Ocrevus Treatment?
A detailed evaluation should be made before starting treatment.
Usually the following are requested:
- Complete blood count
- Liver function tests
- Hepatitis screening
- Tuberculosis assessment
- Immune system tests
- An up-to-date MRI evaluation
These evaluations are important both for treatment safety and for choosing the right patients.
Why Is MRI Follow-up Important on Ocrevus?
In MS treatment, the patient’s clinical condition alone is not enough.
In some patients new lesions can develop without symptoms.
Regular MRI scans are therefore needed to:
- Assess treatment effectiveness
- Detect new disease activity
- Determine whether a change of treatment is needed
MRI evaluations during treatment are one of the cornerstones of the long-term follow-up plan.
Can Pregnancy Be Planned During Ocrevus Treatment?
For patients planning a pregnancy, the treatment strategy should be decided individually.
For patients using Ocrevus, the following should be evaluated in detail by a neurologist:
- Pregnancy plans
- Treatment timing
- Time needed after stopping the drug
- Postpartum treatment plan
Patients planning a pregnancy are therefore advised to talk to their doctor in advance.
Is Ocrevus the Right Choice for Every Patient?
No.
In MS there is no single “best drug”.
When choosing treatment, the following should be considered together:
- Type of disease
- MRI findings
- Relapse frequency
- Age
- Other conditions
- Pregnancy plans
- Previous treatments
The decision about Ocrevus must therefore be individualised.
Ocrevus Treatment Evaluation with Prof. Dr. Emin Özcan
Working in MS and neuroimmunological diseases, Prof. Dr. Emin Özcan evaluates his patients in line with scientific evidence regarding suitability for Ocrevus, second opinions, treatment planning and long-term follow-up.
Treatment decisions take into account not only current symptoms but also MRI findings, disease activity and long-term goals.
Each patient’s treatment plan is created individually, and its effectiveness is assessed through regular follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ocrevus cure MS completely?
No, but it can reduce disease activity and help achieve long-term control.
How often is Ocrevus given?
After the first two doses it is usually given every 6 months.
Does Ocrevus cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not among the commonly reported side effects.
Is MRI done while using Ocrevus?
Yes. Regular MRI follow-up is done to assess treatment effectiveness.
Does everyone on Ocrevus get the same results?
No. Response to treatment varies from person to person.
Should I get a second opinion about Ocrevus treatment?
A second opinion can be helpful, especially if a change of treatment is planned or disease activity continues.
