Guide To The Best Multiple Sclerosis Medications

Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab is given as an intravenous infusion. It helps treat primary multiple sclerosis and relapsing forms of the condition. This medication is a monoclonal antibody, and it targets specific lymphocytes that cause nerve damage. The first dose is given as two infusions that are fourteen days apart. After the initial dose, patients usually have one infusion every six months. Each infusion takes two and a half hours. Patients who have an active hepatitis B infection should not use ocrelizumab.

Infusion reactions are among the most commonly reported side effects of this medicine. After the infusion, patients are monitored for at least one hour in case they experience a reaction. Symptoms of infusion reactions may include dizziness, fast heart rate, fever, shortness of breath, hives, breathing difficulties, and coughing. Patients must alert their doctor if they notice any of these symptoms. This medication increases the risk of developing upper and lower respiratory tract infections, herpes, and skin infections. Finally, this drug weakens the immune system. It may cause a reactivation of hepatitis B in patients who have had the virus.