Does OcrevusⓇ improve walking if you have MS? See what the research has to say and learn how Ocrevus can help stop MS progression and improve your mobility.
If you’re living with multiple sclerosis, moving around independently is likely a primary concern of yours. One common therapy is OcrevusⓇ (ocrelizumab), an infusion medication that may slow disease progression and help you stay mobile. Understanding how Ocrevus improves walking in patients with MS can be an important factor when deciding if it is right for you.
Can Walking Improve With MS?
MS progression affects your ability to walk by disrupting communication between your brain and muscles, causing weakness, stiffness, balance problems, and fatigue. As your disease advances, nerve damage may slow your movements and make them harder to control.
Foot drop, a common feature of MS, can also increase your risk of tripping. Together, these challenges may lead you to rely on mobility aids such as canes, crutches, or wheelchairs.
Although every situation is different, research shows that Ocrevus may help with walking in the following cases:
Relapsing-Remitting MS: Individuals with RRMS who began Ocrevus therapy early in their disease progression experienced a 49% reduction in the risk of needing a walking aid over six years compared to those who started treatment later.
Primary Progressive MS: PPMS patients taking Ocrevus are 24% less likely to experience reduced mobility due to disability progression than those receiving a placebo.
Additionally, the Brigham and Women’s Multiple Sclerosis Center in Boston reviewed more advanced cases of primary and secondary progressive MS in which patients needed two walking aids to complete a 100-meter walk. They found that two-thirds of the participants reported no disability progression after an average of three years of Ocrevus therapy.
How Does Ocrevus Help With Walking?
Ocrevus slows MS progression by targeting and depleting B-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the abnormal immune response that causes nerve damage. Ocrevus reduces the activity of these B-cells, which helps limit myelin damage, nerve degeneration, and the resulting loss of motor function.
By protecting the nerves and reducing inflammation, Ocrevus may improve walking by increasing balance and reducing muscle weakness and stiffness. Long-term data show that after 10 years of continuous treatments, 92% of RRMS patients were still walking unassisted.
What Are Ocrevus Infusion Treatments?
Ocrevus infusion therapy uses an intravenous drip to administer the medication, usually at an outpatient infusion center. You will receive the first dose in two infusions two weeks apart. After that, you’ll need to return every six months for a maintenance dose. Each infusion session typically lasts two to four hours, depending on your tolerance and observation requirements. It’s important to note that Ocrevus, like any medication, may have potential side effects. These can include infusion-related reactions or infections. Your healthcare provider can discuss these potential risks with you in more detail.
Many patients start noticing effects within a few months, though the timeline varies. Some report improvements in energy and mobility within three to six months, while others may take a year or longer to experience noticeable benefits. Ocrevus is designed to slow the disease’s progression, so its impact is often gradual rather than immediate.
See if Ocrevus Can Improve Your Walking
Early intervention is the key to slowing or stopping your MS progression. But even if you already require mobility assistance, it’s not too late to start infusion therapy at Healix Infusion Care and find out how Ocrevus improves your walking. Once Ocrevus is prescribed by your physician, we’ll work with you and your doctor to design an Ocrevus treatment plan that fits your personalized needs. Get started today!
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. It is intended as a general resource to aid in understanding diagnoses and treatment options. If you have concerns about a medical condition or are interested in a specific treatment, please consult your healthcare provider.