Understanding MS | What is MS? | Get on with Life

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Home
About OCREVUS
Is OCREVUS right for me?
- RRMS
- PPMS
Understanding MS
Resources & Support
FAQs
Contact Us

Home
About OCREVUS
Is OCREVUS right for me?
- RRMS
- PPMS
Understanding MS
Resources & Support
FAQs
Contact Us

Home » Understanding MS

Home
About OCREVUS
Is OCREVUS right for me?
- RRMS
- PPMS
Understanding MS
Resources & Support
FAQs
Contact Us

MS is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system

MS is estimated to affect 2.3 Million people worldwide

There are approximately 4,000 patients in New Zealand with MS

MS usually affects people 20 to 40 years of age

This video explains the affect Multiple Sclerosis has on the nervous system and body

M-NZ-00001340/JUN2025

Ocrevus Consumer Panel

Ocrevus^®IV (ocrelizumab) 300mg vial, and Ocrevus^® SC (ocrelizumab 920 mg/23 mL solution for subcutaneous injection) are Prescription Medicines used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

Ask your doctor if Ocrevus is right for you.

Ocrevus IV is a funded medicine when given as an infusion into the vein, for patients who meet defined criteria. A prescription charge and doctor’s fees apply.
Ocrevus SC is an unfunded medicine when given as an injection under the skin. Ask your health professional about the cost of the medicine and other fees that may apply.

Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional.
For more information about Ocrevus:

• talk to your health professional; or
• visit medsafe.govt.nz for Ocrevus Consumer Medicine Information; or
• visit getonwithlife.co.nz or call Roche on 0800 276 243.

Ocrevus has risks and benefits.

Possible common side effects include: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing; swelling of other parts of your body; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; skin problems including rash, itchiness or hives; feeling sick (nausea); fever, flushing or chills; cough, throat irritation or pain; feeling tired; headache; dizziness or light headedness; fast heartbeat.

Do not use Ocrevus if: you have had an allergic reaction to Ocrevus or any of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor if: you have an infection, or a history of a recurring or long-term infection such as hepatitis B; you are taking or have previously taken medicines which may affect your immune system, such as other medicines for MS you or your child intend to have or have had immunisation with any vaccine; you are allergic to any other medicines or any other substances such as foods, preservatives or dyes; you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant; you are breast feeding or plan to breast feed; if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you have bought without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop; you notice any signs of an infection such as fever or chills, cold sore, shingles or genital sores; stuffy nose or chest; thick mucus in the nose, throat or chest; persistent cough; difficulty sleeping (insomnia); diarrhoea, vomiting and/or stomach cramps (gastroenteritis); skin infections, sinus infections.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you notice any of the following: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing; swelling of other parts of your body; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; local reaction at the injection site (Ocrevus SC only), skin problems including rash, itchiness or hives; feeling sick (nausea); fever, flushing or chills; cough, throat irritation or pain; feeling tired; headache; dizziness or light headedness; fast heartbeat.

Panel dated April 2025. All trademarks mentioned herein are protected by law. Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland.

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© 2025, Roche Products (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland. For more information about Roche, please visit www.roche.co.nz. This site contains information on Ocrevus which is intended for New Zealand consumers. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or use in the country of your origin. Access to this site is subject to the terms in our Legal and Privacy Statement. You accept these terms by continuing to access this site. Models have been used throughout this website for illustrative purposes only.
M-NZ-00000073-V6/MR12000/JUN2025 This site was last updated June 2025.

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Roche does not endorse or control, the content of any linked websites and if you click on any of those links you agree that Roche has no responsibility or duty to you for anything that happens to you as a result. If the linked site is outside New Zealand’s jurisdiction, the information may not be consistent with New Zealand’s legislation, advertising codes or the relevant New Zealand registered Data Sheet.

Please refer to the Data Sheet or Consumer Medicine Information on the Medsafe website for product information applicable to New Zealand.

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