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Jozi, a nature lover and lionheart with multiple sclerosis (MS), poses for the camera outdoors.
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JOZI’S FIRST DAYS OF DIAGNOSIS

The day I was diagnosed with MS is one I remember very clearly. I felt a lot of different things. I was confused and really, really scared. I felt like I had lost a piece of my identity. A doctor I liked a lot and had grown to trust during my long stay in the neuro ICU mentioned she needed to order more MRIs and do more tests, and talk with me and my family. I couldn't help but feel discouraged. What kind of news was my favorite doctor going to give me? Would I finally know after days in the hospital, what was going on with me? Did we reach another dead end, or could it be even worse?

My whole family came into my hospital room where I was in bed. My grandma and grandpa sat on a bench near the window, my mom in a chair beside them. While we were all eager to hear what the doctor had to say, she didn't seem as eager to share the news. She said she thought I had MS but we needed to run some additional tests to be sure.

I didn't know what I was in for, but I told myself I was ready! – a quote from JOZI

I was sent down for MRIs and a CAT scan. I remember the radiology tech was so nice, telling me about a podcast until he realized I wasn't listening. I was just trying to hold it together.

He gave me a lavender eye pillow and I couldn't have been more grateful. I immediately put the pillow on my eyes and let the tears roll. I knew I wanted to be strong for my family waiting in my room. I saw the terror in their faces and I knew they would follow my lead—so right then I decided to accept my MS diagnosis and try my hardest to make the best out of it. I didn't know what I was in for, but I told myself I was ready!

The doctor immediately started me on a new 5-day plasma transfusion through a catheter in my neck. I couldn't talk or move so I did a lot of research on MS. I was able to process what my diagnosis meant for me. I started looking up potential treatments and ways to find relief from MS, including eastern and western medicine practices.

I think it is extremely important to note that everybody deals with things differently. The way I processed my MS diagnosis may be different from how others deal with theirs. I think it’s important to be patient with yourself. You are going through a lot, so focus on the positive and try to remember there is so much to be grateful for!

I was sent down for MRIs and a CAT scan. I remember the radiology tech was so nice, telling me about a podcast until he realized I wasn't listening. I was just trying to hold it together.

He gave me a lavender eye pillow and I couldn't have been more grateful. I immediately put the pillow on my eyes and let the tears roll. I knew I wanted to be strong for my family waiting in my room. I saw the terror in their faces and I knew they would follow my lead—so right then I decided to accept my MS diagnosis and try my hardest to make the best out of it. I didn't know what I was in for, but I told myself I was ready!

The doctor immediately started me on a new 5-day plasma transfusion through a catheter in my neck. I couldn't talk or move so I did a lot of research on MS. I was able to process what my diagnosis meant for me. I started looking up potential treatments and ways to find relief from MS, including eastern and western medicine practices.

I think it is extremely important to note that everybody deals with things differently. The way I processed my MS diagnosis may be different from how others deal with theirs. I think it’s important to be patient with yourself. You are going through a lot, so focus on the positive and try to remember there is so much to be grateful for!

See more of Jozi's stories

Out in Nature

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

Jozi C.

Jewelry Making

Take a look at Jozi’s work and hear how creativity crafts her approach to life.
 

Jozi C.

Dating with MS

Listen to Jozi talk about building a future with her boyfriend Steve while living with MS.
 

Jozi C.

Jozi’s Infusion Experience

Take a look at Jozi’s infusion checklist and see what she likes to do while she’s there.
 

Jozi C.

Spring Rolls & Peanut Sauce

Get Jozi’s recipe for this delicious appetizer with an easy-to-make dip.
 

Jozi C.

Cocktails & Mocktails

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

Jozi C.

Important Safety Information & Indications

What are OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO?

OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO are prescription medicines 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 and OCREVUS ZUNOVO are safe and effective in children.

Who should not receive OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO?

Do not receive OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO if you:

  • have an active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
  • have had a life-threatening administration reaction to ocrelizumab.
  • have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to ocrelizumab, hyaluronidase, or any of the ingredients of OCREVUS ZUNOVO. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had an allergic reaction to OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO or any of their ingredients in the past.

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

OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infusion reactions (OCREVUS): 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.
  • Injection reactions (OCREVUS ZUNOVO): Injection reactions are a common side effect of OCREVUS ZUNOVO, which can be serious and may require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored for signs and symptoms of an injection reaction when you receive OCREVUS ZUNOVO. This will happen during all injections for at least 1 hour after your first injection, and for at least 15 minutes after all injections following the first injection.

Tell your healthcare provider or nurse if you get any of these symptoms:

  • itchy skin
  • trouble breathing
  • nausea
  • shortness of breath
  • rash
  • throat irritation or pain
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • hives
  • feeling faint
  • swelling of the throat
  • fast heartbeat
  • tiredness
  • fever
  • dizziness
  • coughing or wheezing
  • redness on your face (flushing)

Additionally, for OCREVUS ZUNOVO:

  • injection site pain
  • swelling
  • redness

These infusion and injection reactions can happen during or up to 24 hours after administration. 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 or injection.

  • Infection:
    • Infections are a common side effect. OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO increase your risk of getting upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and herpes infections. Serious infections can happen with OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO, 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, or 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection. Your healthcare provider should delay your treatment with OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO until your infection is gone.
      • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation: Before starting treatment with ocrelizumab, 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO. 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO.
      • Weakened immune system: OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO 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 ocrelizumab. 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 and OCREVUS ZUNOVO 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have or think you have an infection. See “What is the most important information I should know about OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO?”
  • have ever taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system, or other treatments for MS. These medicines could increase your risk of getting an infection.
  • 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO. You should not receive ‘live’ or ‘live-attenuated’ vaccines while you are being treated with OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO 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 or OCREVUS ZUNOVO. If you would like to receive any non-live (inactivated) vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine, while you are being treated with OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO, talk to your healthcare provider.
    • If you have a baby and you received OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO during your pregnancy, it is important to tell your baby’s healthcare provider about receiving OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO 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 and OCREVUS ZUNOVO will harm your unborn baby. You should use birth control (contraception) during treatment with OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO and for 6 months after your last dose of OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO. Talk with your healthcare provider about what birth control method is right for you during this time. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while receiving OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO.

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 and OCREVUS ZUNOVO?

OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO 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

The most common side effects of OCREVUS ZUNOVO include:

  • Injection reactions
  • Respiratory tract infections
  • Skin infections

These are not all the possible side effects of OCREVUS and OCREVUS ZUNOVO.

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 for OCREVUS.

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

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      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.

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