Ocrevus Infusion Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Ocrevus Infusion treatments.

Ocrevus is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:


What is Ocrevus?

Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is an immunosuppressive drug that physicians prescribe for patients with certain kinds of multiple sclerosis (MS).

How Ocrevus works:

Ocrevus is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. The role of a monoclonal antibody is to find and then terminate particular cells within the body.

Ocrevus specifically targets the CD20-positive marker on B lymphocytes. Focusing exclusively on the CD20-positive marker helps the patient’s other cells remain undamaged and healthy.



What is Ocrevus Used For?

Ocrevus IV infusion treatment is approved for treating certain forms of multiple sclerosis.

When an individual has MS, the T and B lymphocytes perceive the body of their host as an invader. The B lymphocytes create antibodies that begin attacking the host’s body.



Ocrevus Infusion Dosage and Administration

Ocrevus is delivered directly into the bloodstream via IV infusion. When beginning Ocrevus treatment, patients usually receive 300 mg of Ocrevus as their first dose, returning two weeks later for their second dose of 300 mg. After that, an MS patient typically receives Ocrevus infusions twice a year (i.e., every six months).

An Ocrevus IV infusion treatment is very similar to the procedure listed below.

  1. One of IVX Health’s nurses gently inserts a thin, small catheter into a vein in the patient’s arm. This is the IV line.
  2. The nurse connects the IV line to the tubing that is connected to the bottle or bag of Ocrevus.
  3. The Ocrevus IV infusion treatment begins.

To ensure everything moves along smoothly, medical professionals at IVX Health monitor patients during their Ocrevus treatment.

An MS Ocrevus infusion treatment takes about two hours. Following treatment, patients remain at IVX Health for an observation period, typically between one-two hours. During this time, patients are monitored. It is possible for a patient to experience side effects within the 24 hour timeframe following treatment.

At IVX Health, patients receive everything they need to feel comfortable during treatment, including:

  • Personalized service from a pleasant and caring clinical staff
  • Complimentary internet, snacks and beverages
  • Leather recliners
  • Flat-screen televisions to access their favorite TV shows, as well as movie-streaming opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Conveniently located centers


Ocrevus Infusion Side Effects

As with all treatments, side effects are possible. If the patient experiences any of the side effects below, he or she needs to inform the nurse of these symptoms right away.

With Ocrevus IV Infusion, patients may experience:

  • Nausea
  • A rash
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • A fever
  • Hives
  • Throat irritation
  • A headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • A fast heartbeat
  • Neurological issues (e.g., difficulty seeing, balance problems, weakness on one side of the body).

Other risks associated with Ocrevus IV Infusion include:

  • An infection
  • An upper or lower respiratory infection
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)
  • The development of a cough or a wheeze

If any of these signs or symptoms develop following an IV infusion of Ocrevus, the patient needs to contact IVX Health or seek medical care right away.



How to Prepare for an Ocrevus Infusion Treatment

Patients need to speak with their physician about current or future use of medications that affect the immune system, including other treatments for multiple sclerosis. In addition, if a patient is pregnant or considering pregnancy, their physician needs to know.

Patients need to inform their physician if they are supposed to receive a vaccination or have recently had a vaccination. Furthermore, if a patient has already had hepatitis B, or is a known carrier, the doctor needs to know. The doctor may order blood work for the patient to complete before his or her Ocrevus treatment. Patients should provide their physician with a list of their vitamins, herbal supplements, prescription and non-prescription medications.



How to Get a Referral for Ocrevus IV Therapy

Patients need to provide the following information in order to receive Ocrevus therapy at IVX Health:

  • An order that includes the physician’s name, NPI#, office address, phone and fax numbers. The patient’s diagnosis. In addition, the order must be signed by the physician. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
  • The patient’s name, address, phone number and insurance information, as well as his or her height and weight.
  • Clinical documentation to support the need for treatment.
  • Recent tuberculosis test results.

You can find more Ocrevus infusion referral information here. If you have multiple sclerosis and would like to learn more about Ocrevus treatment options, find an Ocrevus infusion center in your area here.


Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Ocrevus treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Ocrevus Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Ocrevus Related Blog Posts

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The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

Interested?

IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.