Pretreating Ocrevus Patients with Multiple Antihistamines and Liquids Lowers Infusion Reactions by 60%, Study Reports

December 18, 2018

Pretreating multiple sclerosis patients with antihistamines more extensively and with hydration can significantly reduce — by 60% — the likelihood of infusion-associated reactions that are the most common side effect of Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) use, a pilot study reported.

Data also found that older and male MS patients are less likely to have such reactions to this therapy, while heavier patients are more likely.

The research, “Reduction in ocrelizumab-induced infusion reactions by a modified premedication protocol,” was published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) to Ocrevus — an approved MS therapy developed by Genentech, owned by Roche — were seen to decrease in rate and severity with subsequent administrations in primary progressive MS patients who took part in the ORATORIO Phase 3 trial (NCT01194570). But they remain a challenge for many on Ocrevus, and may cause patients to stop treatment at less experienced centers.