Ocrevus® is a prescription infusion medication that helps treat multiple forms of multiple sclerosis, including both relapsing and primary progressive types. Many people who take Ocrevus notice fewer relapses, slower disability progression, and more stable symptoms. How long can you stay on Ocrevus and experience its positive effects?
How Long Do Patients Stay on Ocrevus?
Ocrevus is a long-term treatment for multiple sclerosis given as an infusion once every six months, and many people continue using it for several years. In clinical studies of patients who have been on Ocrevus for up to 10 years, 77% with relapsing MS were free from disability progression, and 92% continued to walk without needing assistance.
Is Ocrevus Safe for Long-Term Use?
Most patients tolerate Ocrevus infusion therapy well. However, long-term use may increase the risk of certain serious infections, including:
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Studies have shown that patients aged 55 and older, particularly those with higher disability scores, may experience a higher rate of serious infections compared to younger individuals. Additionally, older patients might have prolonged immune suppression lasting more than 1.5 years after the last infusion, which can increase vulnerability to infections.
Staying on Ocrevus long-term also carries a potential increased risk of malignancies, including breast cancer. While the overall reports of abnormal cell growths remain within normal levels, make sure to follow standard cancer screening guidelines during treatment.
Discontinuing Ocrevus Treatment
Your doctor might stop Ocrevus treatment if you experience serious side effects, such as severe infections or significant decreases in immunoglobulin levels, which help fight infections. Routine monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider are important to ensure the best outcomes during your treatment journey.
Can Ocrevus Stop Working?
While many patients experience long-term benefits, Ocrevus may become less effective in certain situations. One reason Ocrevus might stop working is if your MS becomes more active. This can show up as new relapses, worsening symptoms, or new lesions on MRI scans.
The longer you stay on Ocrevus, the greater the chance your body may develop antibodies against the medication, which can reduce its effectiveness. Although this is rare, your doctor might test for it if your symptoms return or worsen.
Some patients report a “wearing-off” effect, where symptoms return before the next scheduled infusion. This could be due to the medication’s effects diminishing over time. If you experience this, discuss it with your doctor; they might adjust your infusion schedule or explore other options.
If Ocrevus stops working for you, your doctor might consider other disease-modifying therapies that target different aspects of the immune system. The choice will depend on your specific situation, including the type of MS you have, your overall health, and how you’ve responded to previous treatments.
Choose Healix for as Long as You Stay on Ocrevus
At Healix Infusion Care, we’ve designed our outpatient centers to make your Ocrevus infusion experience as smooth as possible with the amenities and services we provide, such as:
Comfortable recliners with blankets
Snacks and beverages
Close monitoring by experienced infusion nurses
Physician-approved personalized treatment plan
Insurance verification and pre-certification
By choosing Healix, you’re gaining a partner committed to making your infusion treatments more manageable for as long as you stay on Ocrevus. Learn more about how to 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.