Skip To Main Content
Chantal, an MS Patient, using OCREVUS since 2017

What’s on this page

THE OCREVUS & OCREVUS ZUNOVO

TREATMENT EXPERIENCE

OCREVUS is a 2-4 hour infusion* that is given every 6 months.

OCREVUS is an infusion therapy—also known as IV therapy—given as an intravenous infusion into a vein in your arm. Depending on what you and your doctor decide is right for you, you can receive your infusions at an infusion center, your doctor’s office, or at home. Watch this video to learn more about what to expect.

*This is only administration time and does not account for all aspects of treatment. Actual clinic time may vary.
For OCREVUS, your first dose will be split into 2, for a total of 3 treatments your first year. After your first treatment, you will receive 1 infusion every 6 months, each lasting 2-4 hours.

What does an infusion appointment look like?

Hear from real people about their experiences and what to expect when you get an infusion.

Receiving your OCREVUS infusion.

Before your first infusion, your healthcare provider or nurse will go over the infusion process with you and answer any questions you may have. Then, while you’re receiving your infusion, your healthcare team will monitor you closely from start to finish to ensure your comfort or in case you have an infusion reaction.

Total appointment time for your infusion: At least 3:30-6 hours

OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab) pre-infusion illustration with doctor and patient
  • You will be given premedication 30-60 minutes before starting your OCREVUS treatment to help reduce possible infusion reactions. This premedication can be given as pills or as part of your IV infusion
OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab) patient infusion experience illustration
OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab) infusion: 30-60 minutes
  • You’ll be seated in a supportive chair. Once settled, a thin needle will be inserted into your arm to start the infusion of OCREVUS. An automatic pump will also be set up to ensure you receive the exact amount
  • If an infusion reaction occurs, your healthcare team may stop or slow the rate of your infusion
OCREVUS® (ocrelizumab) patient post-infusion experience illustration
  • You will be asked to stay for at least an hour for observation. This will allow your healthcare team to watch out for any side effects related to your treatment

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET A SHORTER 2-HOUR INFUSION

If you don’t experience any serious infusion reactions with the 4-hour OCREVUS infusion, your next infusion could take as little as 2 hours. It’s the same dose of OCREVUS, just given faster. Ask your doctor if the shorter 2-hour infusion is right for you.

This is only administration time and does not account for all aspects of treatment. Actual clinic time may vary.
The duration of an infusion could be longer should a reaction occur.

I'm glad my nurse told me about the 2-hour infusion. It's the same medication, just given faster. – a quote from ALEX, using OCREVUS since 2019

OCREVUS ZUNOVO is a ~10-minute subcutaneous injection* that is given every 6 months.

Depending on what you and your doctor decide is right for you, you can receive your injection at an injection center, your doctor’s office, or at home. Watch this video to learn more about what to expect.

*This is only administration time and does not account for all aspects of treatment. Actual clinic time may vary.
For OCREVUS ZUNOVO, there is no split first dose.

What does an injection appointment look like?

Hear from a healthcare professional about what to expect when you get an injection.

Receiving your OCREVUS ZUNOVO injection.

Before your first OCREVUS ZUNOVO injection, your healthcare provider or nurse will go over the injection process with you and answer any questions you may have. Then, while you’re receiving your injection, your healthcare team will monitor you closely from start to finish to ensure your comfort or in case you have an injection reaction.

Total Appointment Time: At least 55 min-1:40 min

  • You will take premedication at least 30 minutes before starting each OCREVUS ZUNOVO treatment, usually as pills to swallow
  • You may be able to take your medications at home—your healthcare team will advise on all pre-treatment protocols
  • You will be asked to sit or lie down, and a thin needle will be inserted under the skin in your abdomen area. This needle will be connected to the prepared syringe containing OCREVUS ZUNOVO
  • A member of your healthcare team will either inject OCREVUS ZUNOVO manually or will use an automatic pump to do this
  • Your healthcare team will observe you for at least one hour after your first injection. For every injection after that, you will be observed for at least 15 minutes
  • This will allow your healthcare team to watch out for any side effects related to your treatment

Make sure you understand the possible side effects.

Infusion (OCREVUS) and injection (OCREVUS ZUNOVO) reactions are a common side effect, and can be serious and require you to be hospitalized. You will be monitored during your treatment for signs and symptoms of a reaction. Reactions are most common during treatment and within an hour after but can occur up to 24 hours afterward.

  • 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 heartbeat

Additionally, for OCREVUS ZUNOVO: Injection site pain, swelling, or redness.

In a clinical study, injection reactions were more frequently reported with first injection. All reactions were mild to moderate, and treatable with treatment adjustments and medicines to help with reactions.

Be supported along your journey.

Call OCREVUS CONNECTS® at (1-844-OCREVUS) We’re happy to answer all your questions, from insurance and payment options to what to expect at an infusion or injection. This service is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM ET, in English and Spanish.

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.

    • 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.