Skip to main content

How long does it take Ocrevus to work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 8, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Ocrevus has some effect at reducing disability progression within about 12 weeks; however, it may take at least 6 months or possibly longer for the full effects to be seen. Trials of up to 96 weeks (almost 2 years) duration have shown that:

  • The number of patients with disability progression was significantly lower with Ocrevus compared with REBIF (interferon beta-1a) at 12 weeks (9.1% of those prescribed Ocrevus vs. 13.6% of those prescribed REBIF), and 24 weeks (6.9% vs. 10.5%)
  • 82% to 83% of people taking Ocrevus were relapse-free after 24 weeks compared to 71% to 72% of those taking REBIF
  • People taking Ocrevus had 46% to 47% fewer relapses a year than people prescribed REBIF.
References
  • Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) 05/2020 Genentech, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/ocrevus.html
  • Ocrevus. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 2020 https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Ocrevus#:~:text=Ocrevus%20is%20approved%20by%20the,primary%20progressive%20MS%20in%20adults.
  • Hauser SL, Bar-Or A, Comi G, et al. Ocrelizumab versus Interferon Beta-1a
    in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. N Engl J Med 2017;376:221-34.
    DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1601277

Read next

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading

In patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, Kesimpta (ofatumumab) is thought to be more effective than Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) in some ways, but no clinical trials have directly compared the two drugs

Ocrevus is the only one of the two drugs approved to treat primary progressive multiple sclerosis Continue reading

Ocrevus costs $16,974 for one 300mg/10mL dose of Ocrevus intravenous solution. This price is for cash paying customers and is not valid with insurance plans. This works out to an annual cost of just over $65,000 per year; however, most people do not pay this amount. For people with commercial or private insurance the cost is around $5 per treatment; for those with Medicare, between $0 and $13,000; and for those with Medicaid, between $0 and $30. People unable to afford Ocrevus, may be able to apply for additional assistance through the Genentech Patient Foundation. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer