MS is a disease with no cure. Although there are many treatments for MS available, these can neither prevent its occurrence nor reverse its effects once the patient has been diagnosed. Because of this, patients and their families often feel helpless in combating this disease. And that’s why every discovery of a new treatment that may ease the symptoms or even stop the progression of MS is met with high anticipation.
Ocrevus (also known as OCRedeVAS) is one such drug. Read on to find out more about ocrelvus, its potential benefits, side effects, market availability and cost…
What is Ocrevus?
Ocrevus is an immunomodulatory drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug acts by controlling the inflammation caused in the central nervous system by MS, therefore halting the progression of the disease. Ocrevus is administered through a once-yearly injection. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS and primary progressive MS.
It is also being tested for the treatment of secondary progressive MS. Ocrevus is a new drug that can help with the symptoms of MS. It is the first drug that has been shown to reduce the risk of disability in people with MS. It can help people with relapsing MS to remain symptom free for longer, and people with progressive MS to slow down their disease progression. Ocrevus is available by prescription. It is the brand name of the drug ocrelizumab.
How does Ocrevus Work?
Ocrevus is an immunomodulatory drug that works to reduce the risk of disability in patients with relapsing-remitting MS by reducing the relapse rate, delaying the time to first relapse, and increasing the time between relapses. It is also the first drug that has been shown to slow the progression of primary progressive MS.
Ocrevus targets the inflammation caused by MS. It works by blocking a protein called B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), which is overproduced in people with MS. Blocking BLyS reduces the overactive immune response that causes inflammation and damage to the central nervous system.
Ocrevus also acts on another molecule called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is also overproduced in people with MS. IL-6 causes inflammation in the central nervous system and contributes to progressive disability in people with MS.
Benefits of Ocrevus for MS Patients
- Ocrevus can reduce the risk of disability in people with relapsing-remitting MS by reducing the relapse rate, delaying the time to first relapse, and increasing the time between relapses. It is also the first drug that has been shown to slow the progression of primary progressive MS.
- It can help people with relapsing MS to remain symptom free for longer, and people with progressive MS to slow down their disease progression.
- Ocrevus is the only drug to have shown an effect on both types of MS.
- It is the first drug that has been shown to reduce disability progression in people with primary progressive MS.
The most common side effects of Ocrevus are flu-like symptoms, itching, and gastrointestinal issues. These are generally mild and can be reduced by taking the drug with food.
Other side effects include upper respiratory infections, reduced white blood cell count, and increased risk of infection. – Patients may also experience allergic reactions such as itching, rash, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. In case of severe allergic reaction, patients can be treated in a hospital.
Market Availability & Price of Ocrevus
- Ocrevus is expected to be available in India in June 2019.
- Ocrevus is expected to cost approximately ₹53,000 per injection.
- Patients may be eligible for government assistance to help cover the cost of the drug.
Final Words: Will you be trying out Ocrevoc?
We hope that you now understand the benefits of Ocrevus and are eager to try it out! To do so, you must first discuss it with your doctor. They can advise you on whether the drug is right for you and help you get a prescription. If you have any questions about Ocrevus or its side effects, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor!
With this drug, there is hope for those suffering from this incurable, disabling disease. And who wouldn’t want to try a treatment that can reduce the risk of disability and slow the progression of MS? Now that you know what Ocrevus is and how it works, all that is left to do is to get a prescription and start the treatment!