About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in which your immune system mistakenly attacks myelin around your nerve cells. This causes inflammation and damage which stops your CNS from working properly, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
It is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system and is estimated to affect 2.8 million people worldwide. Approximately 4,000 people are estimated to be living with MS in New Zealand.
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) affects women two to three times more often than men.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) affects men and women equally.
What are the types of MS at diagnosis?
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common form of the disease. Approximately 85% of people diagnosed with MS are initially diagnosed with RRMS.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a highly disabling form of the disease. Approximately 15% of people with MS are diagnosed with PPMS.
What are the symptoms of MS?
Symptoms of MS can vary widely and differ in severity between each person.
The most common symptoms in Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) include episodic bouts of fatigue, numbness, vision problems, spasticity or stiffness, and bowel and bladder problems.
The most common symptoms in Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) include progressive weakness, mobility issues and spasticity. These symptoms are not unique to PPMS but tend to be more persistent and difficult to manage. People may also have more problems thinking and speaking compared to people with RRMS.
How is MS diagnosed?
MS is usually diagnosed through a combination of medical history, neurological exams, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and sometimes analysis of your spinal fluid. There is no single test for MS, so a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential.
What are the treatment goals for RRMS and PPMS?
Despite available treatments, some people with Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) continue to experience disease activity and worsening disability. Recent advances in the scientific understanding of MS have resulted in the development of treatments that may effectively slow disease progression in RRMS.
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a highly disabling disease, therefore treatment should be based on clinical need and initiated as early as possible. Recent advances in the scientific understanding of MS have resulted in the development of new treatments that may slow disease progression in PPMS. There are no approved disease-modifying treatments for people with PPMS in many countries around the world, including Europe.
About OCREVUS
What is OCREVUS?
OCREVUS is a prescription medication used to treat adults with relapsing forms of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). It works by targeting and depleting certain B cells in the immune system, which are thought to contribute to the damage in MS.
How does OCREVUS work?
OCREVUS is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-positive B cells. By binding to these cells, OCREVUS helps to reduce the inflammation and immune response that contribute to the damage of myelin and nerve cells in MS.
What are the benefits of OCREVUS?
Clinical studies have shown that OCREVUS can reduce the frequency of relapses, slow the progression of disability, and reduce the number of lesions in the brain and spinal cord as seen on MRI scans.
How is OCREVUS given?
OCREVUS is available in 2 ways.
OCREVUS SC is administered as a subcutaneous (SC) injection every 6 months. The injection will be given under the skin, in the abdomen area, and lasts around 10 minutes.
OCREVUS IV is administered by intravenous (IV) infusion every six months. You’ll need to visit the hospital to receive OCREVUS IV , and it will be given to you intravenously (through a needle in your arm). Treatments will be administered by qualified healthcare professional staff at an infusion location identified by your doctor. The first dose is given as two separate infusions two weeks apart. Subsequent doses are given every six months as a single infusion so you can get on with life.
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How do I know that OCREVUS is working?
OCREVUS does not directly treat your MS symptoms (like fatigue). Your doctor will regularly assess if your treatment is working by checking:
• If and how many relapses you have had
• How severe the relapses were
• The number of lesions seen on your medical scans
• Changes in your physical and mental abilities
What are the common side effects of OCREVUS?
There are some side effects and risks to be aware of when receiving OCREVUS. Your doctor will consider the best time for you to begin treatment with OCREVUS.
The most common side effects of OCREVUS are infusion-related reactions (IRR). Infusion reactions 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, it’s important that you tell your doctor or go to the Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you notice any serious side effects.
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Who should not take OCREVUS?
Patients with active hepatitis B infection should not take OCREVUS. It is also not recommended for patients who have had life-threatening infusion reactions to OCREVUS. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine if OCREVUS is right for you.
How do I prepare for an OCREVUS Injection or Infusion?
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your injection or infusion. This may include staying hydrated, taking medicines to prepare for your injection or infusion, and arranging for transport options to and from the infusion centre.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Please do not make any decisions on changing your treatment plan without consulting your MS team first. If you are not able to take your treatment for personal reasons, please inform your MS team. They are there to advise you on how to proceed in these situations.
Can I go on holiday while I’m on OCREVUS?
Yes, you can fully enjoy a holiday away from home. But please ensure that you consider your OCREVUS administration schedule.
If you have a specific time of the year where you are always on holiday or have other fixed plans, your treatment schedule can be planned around this period. Ask your MS nurse to consider this when planning your next OCREVUS dose.
Remember though, if you need travel vaccines for your holiday, you should arrange to have these at least 6 weeks before you start your next treatment with OCREVUS.
While you are being treated with OCREVUS, you should NOT be given live or live attenuated vaccines. Always check with your MS team before arranging any travel or seasonal vaccines.
Can I do sports while I’m on OCREVUS?
Yes! There is no reason why you shouldn’t do sports while receiving OCREVUS®. In fact, exercise has mental and physical health benefits for everyone.
As well as improving overall fitness, exercise can improve muscle strength, balance, and tiredness, and can generally make you feel better.
Where can I get more information about MS and OCREVUS?
For more detailed information, talk to your healthcare provider or visit reputable websites such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand or Roche Medical Information.
Is OCREVUS a PHARMAC funded medicine?
OCREVUS IV is funded under Special Authority for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) who meet predefined criteria. OCREVUS SC is an unfunded medicine. If you have a confirmed diagnosis and are unsure whether you meet these criteria, please contact your healthcare provider. A prescription charge and normal doctor’s fees may apply.