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Ocrevus – what is it?
What is it? Ocrelizumab is an antibody based medication that depletes the B cells in patients’ circulation (largely in the blood). It is given via an infusion (intravenously) every 6 months. It was developed based on the promising results from trials of another B cell depleting medication called rituximab. The therapeutic benefits in relapsing remitting MS and in primary progressive MS were recently reported.
What are the steps involved in accessing this treatment? If you are interested in learning more about this medication, please schedule a follow-up with your neurologist to discuss Ocrevus in more detail and see if it is the right fit for you. If you and your neurologist decide to move forward with Ocrevus, our office will work with your insurance to see if it is covered. If the medication is covered and screening tests reveal no contraindications, our office will help you schedule the infusion at UCSF or at an alternate infusion center.
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