There are some side effects and risks to be aware of when receiving OCREVUS, whether through intravenous (IV) infusion or subcutaneous (SC) injection. Your healthcare provider will consider the best time for you to begin treatment with OCREVUS.
Infusion-related reactions:
For OCREVUS IV infusions, the most common side effects are infusion-related reactions (IRRs). These can be serious, so you’ll be carefully monitored throughout your infusion and for at least one hour afterwards. However, because IRRs can happen for up to 24 hours after a dose of OCREVUS IV, it’s important that you tell your doctor or go to the Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
- Itchy skin, rash, hives, redness of the skin
- Throat irritation or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the throat, face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
- Redness on your face (flushing)
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fast heart beat
Injection-site reactions:
For OCREVUS SC injections, the most common side effects are injection-site reactions (IRs). These typically include:
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Itchiness
While generally mild to moderate, systemic injection reactions can also occur and share similar symptoms to the IRRs listed above (for IV). You will be monitored for IRs, especially after your first dose (for SC).
Infections:
OCREVUS increases your risk of respiratory, skin, and herpes-related infections You should tell your doctor if you have any signs of an infection—such as fever, chills, a cough that doesn’t go away, or herpes symptoms (cold sores, shingles, gential sores).
Liver injury:
Rare cases of liver injury have been reported after treatment with OCREVUS.Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any signs of liver problems such as:
- New or worsening fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the right part of your abdomen
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy:
There have been reports of a rare, serious brain infection called PML (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) in patients receiving medicines for MS. PML can occur in patients taking OCREVUS (both IV and SC formulations) and is mostly associated with risk factors, such as age and pre-existing use of immunosuppressants. PML can cause severe disability or even death. Symptoms of PML can be similar to those of MS. Tell your partner or carer about your OCREVUS treatment. They might notice symptoms that you do not, such as changes in movement or behaviour, which your doctor may need to investigate.