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Real people. Real stories.

Select a topic and explore these stories and videos from real people who use OCREVUS

Showing 61 out of 61 results

Infusion Experiences

  • Alex's Infusion Experience

    Alex's Infusion Experience

    For Alex, infusions are something he looks forward to. Let him tell you why.
  • Brandon's Infusion Experience

    Brandon's Infusion Experience

    Brandon was nervous before his first one, but now he knows what to do. Get his tips.
  • Franchesca's Infusion Experience

    Franchesca's Infusion Experience

    Franchesca has created a ritual for her infusion appointment. Find out what it is.
  • Gary's Infusion Experience

    Gary's Infusion Experience

    Since he’s taking a step for his well-being, Gary chooses to feel happy during infusions.
  • Jozi's Infusion Experience

    Jozi's Infusion Experience

    Take a look at Jozi’s infusion checklist and see what she likes to do while she’s there.
  • Nadejda's Infusion Experience

    Nadejda's Infusion Experience

    Get Nadejda’s advice for infusion day and what to do if you start to feel uncomfortable.
  • Teri's Infusion Experience

    Teri's Infusion Experience

    Teri uses infusion day as a chance to take care of herself. Get her tips on how.

Everyday Life

  • Baking with Teri

    Baking with Teri

    See how Teri uses baking desserts to bring joy to both her life and others.
  • Chocolate Cinnamon Torte

    Chocolate Cinnamon Torte

    It's one of Teri's favorites, and now with her recipe, it can be one of yours, too.
  • Cocktails & Mocktails

    Cocktails & Mocktails

    Mix up something delicious with one of these three recipes from Jozi.
  • Connecting Through Art

    Connecting Through Art

    Find out how Hannah uses art projects to help other people who have chronic illnesses.
  • Going Back to School

    Going Back to School

    Learn how Nadejda balanced a full-time job, her MS and earning a new degree.
  • Handyman Brandon

    Handyman Brandon

    Watch how taking on a project and working with his hands gives Brandon inspiration.
  • Jewelry Making

    Jewelry Making

    Take a look at Jozi’s work and hear how creativity crafts her approach to life.
  • Look Good, Feel Good

    Look Good, Feel Good

    Join Franchesca for a day at the salon and see how it helps her relax.
  • MS Is Just Part of My Life

    MS Is Just Part of My Life

    Share some moments from Alex’s life and hear how he approaches his MS.
  • Makeup with Nadejda

    Makeup with Nadejda

    See how Nadejda’s makeup hobby helps her feel confident and creative.
  • Out in Nature

    Out in Nature

    Jozi finds spending time outdoors in nature helps her refresh both mentally and physically.
  • Quesadilla Recipe

    Quesadilla Recipe

    Franchesca would rather be anywhere but the kitchen, so she created this easy recipe.
  • Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

    Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

    Get Jozi’s recipe for this delicious appetizer with an easy-to-make dip.
  • Starting a New Career

    Starting a New Career

    Changing jobs was Gary’s way of proving he could do anything he set his mind to.
  • The Impacts of MS on My Life

    The Impacts of MS on My Life

    Alex considers questions about his MS an opportunity to help educate about the disease.
  • The Year of Yes

    The Year of Yes

    Nadejda decided to start saying yes to as many things as possible. See what happened.
  • Venezuelan Arepas Recipe

    Venezuelan Arepas Recipe

    A traditional Venezuelan dish and Gary’s childhood favorite, here’s his mom’s recipe.
  • Working with MS

    Working with MS

    Wondering how MS might affect your job? Find out how Teri approached it.

Health & Wellness

  • Alex's First Days of Diagnosis

    Alex's First Days of Diagnosis

    Alex and his wife were expecting twins. Find out how he reacted when he was diagnosed.
  • Art as Therapy

    Art as Therapy

    Get a picture of how Hannah uses art to express her feelings about MS and life in general.
  • Brandon's First Days of Diagnosis

    Brandon's First Days of Diagnosis

    Brandon was in denial when he was diagnosed with MS. Find out what changed.
  • Franchesca's First Days of Diagnosis

    Franchesca's First Days of Diagnosis

    Franchesca didn’t want to talk to anyone about her diagnosis. Then she started to open up.
  • Gary's First Days of Diagnosis

    Gary's First Days of Diagnosis

    Gary’s diagnosis made him feel like he’d been tricked into going on a rollercoaster.
  • How I Look Affects How I Feel

    How I Look Affects How I Feel

    For Franchesca, it’s about building up her self-esteem to help her face the day.
  • Jozi's First Days of Diagnosis

    Jozi's First Days of Diagnosis

    Jozi decided to face her MS head-on when she was diagnosed. Read her story.
  • My Art Before & After MS

    My Art Before & After MS

    Learn how Hannah got a new outlook on creativity after her diagnosis.
  • Nadejda’s First Days of Diagnosis

    Nadejda’s First Days of Diagnosis

    Nadejda felt lost after her MS diagnosis. Find out how she turned things around.
  • Teri's First Days of Diagnosis

    Teri's First Days of Diagnosis

    It took a while for Teri’s doctors to confirm MS. Find out how she adjusted.

Relationships

  • Brandon's Fatherhood with MS

    Brandon's Fatherhood with MS

    Brandon draws strength from being a dad. See his approach to parenting with MS.
  • Coffee Talk

    Coffee Talk

    Join Gary and his partner Heather as they talk about learning to live with his MS together.
  • Dating with MS

    Dating with MS

    Listen to Jozi talk about building a future with her boyfriend Steve while living with MS.
  • Hannah's Relationship Advice

    Hannah's Relationship Advice

    Check out Hannah’s relationship Q&A, including her thoughts on when to tell someone about MS.
  • Moving Forward

    Moving Forward

    Almost 50 and newly separated, Teri met the perfect man at an MS event. Read her story.

Featured Stories

  • Alex's First Days of Diagnosis

    Alex's First Days of Diagnosis

    Alex and his wife were expecting twins. Find out how he reacted when he was diagnosed.
  • Alex's Infusion Experience

    Alex's Infusion Experience

    For Alex, infusions are something he looks forward to. Let him tell you why.
  • Cocktails & Mocktails

    Cocktails & Mocktails

    Mix up something delicious with one of these three recipes from Jozi.
  • Coffee Talk

    Coffee Talk

    Join Gary and his partner Heather as they talk about learning to live with his MS together.
  • Dating with MS

    Dating with MS

    Listen to Jozi talk about building a future with her boyfriend Steve while living with MS.
  • Franchesca's First Days of Diagnosis

    Franchesca's First Days of Diagnosis

    Franchesca didn’t want to talk to anyone about her diagnosis. Then she started to open up.
  • Franchesca's Infusion Experience

    Franchesca's Infusion Experience

    Franchesca has created a ritual for her infusion appointment. Find out what it is.
  • Gary's First Days of Diagnosis

    Gary's First Days of Diagnosis

    Gary’s diagnosis made him feel like he’d been tricked into going on a rollercoaster.
  • Gary's Infusion Experience

    Gary's Infusion Experience

    Since he’s taking a step for his well-being, Gary chooses to feel happy during infusions.
  • How I Look Affects How I Feel

    How I Look Affects How I Feel

    For Franchesca, it’s about building up her self-esteem to help her face the day.
  • Jewelry Making

    Jewelry Making

    Take a look at Jozi’s work and hear how creativity crafts her approach to life.
  • Jozi's First Days of Diagnosis

    Jozi's First Days of Diagnosis

    Jozi decided to face her MS head-on when she was diagnosed. Read her story.
  • Jozi's Infusion Experience

    Jozi's Infusion Experience

    Take a look at Jozi’s infusion checklist and see what she likes to do while she’s there.
  • Look Good, Feel Good

    Look Good, Feel Good

    Join Franchesca for a day at the salon and see how it helps her relax.
  • MS Is Just Part of My Life

    MS Is Just Part of My Life

    Share some moments from Alex’s life and hear how he approaches his MS.
  • Out in Nature

    Out in Nature

    Jozi finds spending time outdoors in nature helps her refresh both mentally and physically.
  • Quesadilla Recipe

    Quesadilla Recipe

    Franchesca would rather be anywhere but the kitchen, so she created this easy recipe.
  • Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

    Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

    Get Jozi’s recipe for this delicious appetizer with an easy-to-make dip.
  • Starting a New Career

    Starting a New Career

    Changing jobs was Gary’s way of proving he could do anything he set his mind to.
  • The Impacts of MS on My Life

    The Impacts of MS on My Life

    Alex considers questions about his MS an opportunity to help educate about the disease.
  • Venezuelan Arepas Recipe

    Venezuelan Arepas Recipe

    A traditional Venezuelan dish and Gary’s childhood favorite, here’s his mom’s recipe.

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Important Safety Information & Indications

What is OCREVUS?

OCREVUS is a prescription medicine used to treat:

  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults
  • Primary progressive MS, in adults.

It is not known if OCREVUS is safe and effective in children.

Who should not receive OCREVUS?

Do not receive OCREVUS if you have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Do not receive OCREVUS if you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to OCREVUS. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to OCREVUS or any of its ingredients in the past.

What is the most important information I should know about OCREVUS?

OCREVUS can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infusion reactions: Infusion reactions are a common side effect of OCREVUS, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your infusion and for at least 1 hour after each infusion of OCREVUS for signs and symptoms of an infusion reaction. Tell your healthcare provider or nurse if you get any of these symptoms:
    • itchy skin
    • rash
    • hives
    • tiredness
    • coughing or wheezing
    • trouble breathing
    • throat irritation or pain
    • feeling faint
    • fever
    • redness on your face (flushing)
    • nausea
    • headache
    • swelling of the throat
    • dizziness
    • shortness of breath
    • fatigue
    • fast heart beat

These infusion reactions can happen for up to 24 hours after your infusion. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms listed above after each infusion. If you get infusion reactions, your healthcare provider may need to stop or slow down the rate of your infusion.

  • Infection:
    • Infections are a common side effect. OCREVUS increases your risk of getting upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and herpes infections. Serious infections can happen with OCREVUS, which can be life-threatening or cause death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an infection or have any of the following signs of infection including fever, chills, a cough that does not go away, or painful urination. Signs of herpes infection include: cold sores, shingles, genital sores, skin rash, pain, and itching. Signs of more serious herpes infection include: changes in vision, eye redness or eye pain, severe or persistent headache, stiff neck, and confusion. Signs of infection can happen during treatment or after you have received your last dose of OCREVUS. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection. Your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with OCREVUS until your infection is gone.
    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: Before starting treatment with OCREVUS, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check for hepatitis B viral infection. If you have ever had hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatitis B virus may become active again during or after treatment with OCREVUS. Hepatitis B virus becoming active again (called reactivation) may cause serious liver problems including liver failure or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you if you are at risk for hepatitis B virus reactivation during treatment and after you stop receiving OCREVUS.
    • Weakened immune system: OCREVUS taken before or after other medicines that weaken the immune system could increase your risk of getting infections.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): PML is a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability, and has been reported with OCREVUS. Symptoms of PML get worse over days to weeks. It is important that you call your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms that have lasted several days, including problems with:
    • thinking        
    • eyesight
    • strength
    • balance
    • weakness on 1 side of your body
    • using your arms or legs
  • Decreased immunoglobulins: OCREVUS may cause a decrease in some types of immunoglobulins. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood immunoglobulin levels.

Before receiving OCREVUS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have ever taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for MS.
  • have ever had hepatitis B or are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus.
  • have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. 
    • You should receive any required ‘live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines at least 4 weeks before you start treatment with OCREVUS. You should not receive ‘live’ or ‘live attenuated’ vaccines while you are being treated with OCREVUS and until your healthcare provider tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened.
    • When possible, you should receive any ‘non-live’ vaccines at least 2 weeks before you start treatment with OCREVUS. If you would like to receive any non-live (inactivated) vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine, while you are being treated with OCREVUS, talk to your healthcare provider.
    • If you have a baby and you received OCREVUS during your pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about receiving OCREVUS so they can decide when your baby should be vaccinated.
  • are pregnant, think that you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OCREVUS will harm your unborn baby. You should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with OCREVUS and for 6 months after your last infusion of OCREVUS. Talk with your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OCREVUS passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take OCREVUS.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of OCREVUS?

OCREVUS may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Risk of cancers (malignancies) including breast cancer. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about standard screening guidelines for breast cancer.
  • Inflammation of the colon, or colitis: Tell your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of colitis, such as:
    • Diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual
    • Stools that are black, tarry, sticky or have blood or mucus
    • Severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness

These are not all the possible side effects of OCREVUS.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

For more information, go to www.OCREVUS.com or call 1-844-627-3887.

Please see additional Important Safety Information throughout and click here for full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

    • Stuifbergen A, Becker H, Phillips C, Horton S, Morrison J, Perez F. Experiences of African American Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2021;23(2):59-65.

      Stuifbergen A, Becker H, Phillips C, Horton S, Morrison J, Perez F. Experiences of African American Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2021;23(2):59-65.

    • Langer-Gould AM, Gonzales EG, Smith JB, Li BH, Nelson LM. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence. Neurology. 2022;98(18):e1818-e1827.

      Langer-Gould AM, Gonzales EG, Smith JB, Li BH, Nelson LM. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence. Neurology. 2022;98(18):e1818-e1827.

    • Okai AF, Howard AM, Williams MJ, et al. Advancing Care and Outcomes for African American Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology. 2022;98(24):1015​-1020.

      Okai AF, Howard AM, Williams MJ, et al. Advancing Care and Outcomes for African American Patients With Multiple Sclerosis. Neurology. 2022;98(24):1015​-1020.

    • Amezcua L, McCauley JL. Race and ethnicity on MS presentation and disease course. Mult Scler. 2020;26(5):561​-567.

      Amezcua L, McCauley JL. Race and ethnicity on MS presentation and disease course. Mult Scler. 2020;26(5):561​-567.

    • Ingram M, Leih R, Adkins A, Sonmez E, Yetman E. Health Disparities, Transportation Equity and Complete Streets: a Case Study of a Policy Development Process through the Lens of Critical Race Theory. J Urban Health. 2020;97(6):876​-886.

      Ingram M, Leih R, Adkins A, Sonmez E, Yetman E. Health Disparities, Transportation Equity and Complete Streets: a Case Study of a Policy Development Process through the Lens of Critical Race Theory. J Urban Health. 2020;97(6):876​-886.

    • Sohn H. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage: Dynamics of Gaining and Losing Coverage over the Life-Course. Popul Res Policy Rev. 2017;36(2):181​-201.

      Sohn H. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Insurance Coverage: Dynamics of Gaining and Losing Coverage over the Life-Course. Popul Res Policy Rev. 2017;36(2):181​-201.

    • Taylor J. Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans. The Century Foundation. December 19, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2023. https://tcf.org/content/report/racism-inequality-health-care-african-americans.

      Taylor J. Racism, Inequality, and Health Care for African Americans. The Century Foundation. December 19, 2019. Accessed April 16, 2023. https://tcf.org/content/report/racism-inequality-health-care-african-americans.