OCRELIZUMAB

The U.S. FDA approved ocrelizumab on 28 March 2017. Ocrelizumab is indicated for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

It is used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, a type of multiple sclerosis that can damage the central nervous system, and early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), a neurodegenerative form of multiple sclerosis.

Ocrelizumab is available as syringes in an 18 mg injection which is administered into the veins by your doctor. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the medicine if your doctor advises you to stop.

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with ocrelizumab Injection are sore throat and runny nose may indicate a range of conditions, including the flu, sinus infection, bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes), stomach and bowel infection (gastroenteritis), respiratory tract infection, viral infection, conjunctivitis (characterized by eye discharge, itching, redness, and swelling), cough, and the formation of thick mucus in the nose, throat, or chest, low white blood cell count. Report your doctor immediately if you have infusion-related reactions, skin infection (cellulitis) and herpes infection (cold sore or shingles).

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to ocrelizumab, sodium, or any of the ingredients present in them. Consult your doctor if you have a current infection, hepatitis B, a problem in the immune system, or cancer. Inform the doctor if you have an infusion-related reaction (fever, rigors, chills, myalgias, arthralgias, nausea, vomiting, headaches, hypotension, hypertension, and flushing).

Inform your doctor about the prescribed and non prescribed medicines and vaccine history or schedule before using the medicine. It will help you to get an appropriate treatment plan from your doctor. Consult your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant or while you are breastfeeding. The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been established in children under 18 years of age.

Patients experiencing sore throat may find relief through warm water gargles with salt. Nasal spray and facial steam may help manage symptoms of rhinitis and influenza. Your doctor may recommend monitoring white blood cell counts. A warm compress applied over the nose and forehead may help alleviate sinus pressure associated with sinus infection.

Roche Products Limited, Electronic Medicine Compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2023], [Accessed on 05th Mar 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8898.pdf Norditropin Injection - US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Aug 2022], [Accessed on 05th Mar 2024] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/761053s029s030lbl.pdf Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants and Tolerogens, 2018, 13th Edition, 650-661.