Ocrevus is a drug indicated for multiple sclerosis, from Roche’s laboratory.This drug is a monoclonal antibody produced synthetically in the laboratory, whose active substance is Ocrelizumab.
This medicine consists of an injection that should be administered in the hospital, as it is necessary for the patient to be monitored for at least 1 hour after application as severe reactions, such as asphyxiation, may occur that require immediate medical intervention.Reactions are more common during the first application of this injection, so some hospitals may choose to stay 1 day for the application of this first dose.In subsequent doses, with serious reactions being less frequent, hospitalization may not be necessary and the patient will only be observed for 1 hour.
- This drug is used to combat the progression of multiple sclerosis or in cases of progressive primary multiple sclerosis.
The drug Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) costs about 38,000 reais, but the SUS makes it available.
This medicine should be administered by intravenous infusion in a hospital setting. Before application, it is necessary to:
The first injection of ocrelizumab is given in separate doses.The starting dose was 300 mg in one week and 300 mg 2 weeks later.Subsequent doses may be administered together, for a total of 600 mg per infusion, every 6 months.The minimum interval between each dose is 5 months.
The most common side effects that can occur when using Ochrevus are upper respiratory tract infection, nose and throat irritation, and flu symptoms.Infections can also occur in other areas of the body.
In addition, other more serious reactions may occur after the first infusion, being more common during the first 24 hours, such as body itching, rash, hives, redness, oropharyngeal irritation, oropharyngeal pain, shortness of breath, swelling of the throat that can make breathing difficult.difficulty, facial redness, hypotension, fever, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea and increased heart rate.
Ocrelizumab is counterprivated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age because no studies have been conducted on its efficacy and safety in this age group.
In addition, it should not be used in cases of active infection, such as active hepatitis B, and in cases of severe immune commitment to lymphopenia, neutropenia, hypogammaglobulinemia or active cancer.The use of other immunosuppressants is not recommended at the same time as Ocrevus.corticosteroids for symptomatic treatment of outbreaks.
It should also not be used in people who have already had a reaction to the infusion of this medicine.
Women of childbearing potential should not become pregnant during the year after starting treatment with ocrelizumab.