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Uses

What is Ocrevus Zunovo used for?

Ocrevus Zunovo is commonly used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Your Guide to Ocrevus and Ocrevus Zunovo for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Ocrevus Zunovo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Ocrevus Zunovo work (mechanism of action)?

Ocrevus Zunovo attaches to a protein called CD20 on certain immune cells known as B-cells. Normally, B-cells help protect your body from infections, but in people with multiple sclerosis, they mistakenly attack your nerves. By attaching to CD20, Ocrevus Zunovo helps destroy the B-cells that are causing this nerve damage.

How is Ocrevus Zunovo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ocrevus Zunovo subcutaneous injection

How should I store Ocrevus Zunovo?

Ocrevus Zunovo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Ocrevus Zunovo at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo?

The most common side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms (see below)
  • Injection reactions (see below)
  • Skin infections (see below)
  • Infection of the airways or lungs, including bronchitis (see below)

There may be other side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ocrevus Zunovo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ocrevus Zunovo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Injection Reactions. Ocrevus Zunovo can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. You may be given several medicines before you receive Ocrevus Zunovo to reduce these reactions. These reactions can also happen up to 24 hours after receiving Ocrevus Zunovo. You will be monitored while you are receiving the medicine and afterward. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you receive the medicine or within 24 hours after receiving your infusion or injection. 

  • Itchy skin, rash, or hives
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • Throat irritation or pain
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Fever or chills
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Swelling of the throat
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Chest pain
  • Fast heartbeat

Infection. Ocrevus Zunovo can increase the risk of infections, including infections of your nose, throat, airways, lungs, and skin. Ocrevus Zunovo can also increase your risk of herpes infection. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Cold sores or genital sores
  • Shingles
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Pain
  • Changes in vision
  • Eye redness or eye pain
  • Severe or persistent headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion

Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation. If you have hepatitis B virus in your body or have had hepatitis B in the past, Ocrevus Zunovo could make the virus active again. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting Ocrevus Zunovo and may monitor you for infection during treatment and up to 6 months after treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hepatitis.

  • Unusual tiredness
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dark color pee
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain in your side
  • Stool (poop) that is clay-colored 

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People using Ocrevus Zunovo may develop a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop using Ocrevus Zunovo and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.

  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking or speaking
  • Facial drooping
  • Vision problems
  • Thinking, memory, or personality changes
  • Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
  • Seizures

Decreased Immunoglobulins. Ocrevus Zunovo may decrease the levels of some, which are antibodies in your body that help fight infections. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your immunoglobulin levels while you are using Ocrevus Zunovo. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

Cancers. Ocrevus Zunovo may increase your risk of developing cancer, including breast cancer, due to changes in your immune system. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider for cancer screenings.

Immune-Mediated Colitis. Ocrevus Zunovo may cause immune-mediated colitis, which is inflammation of your colon due to changes in your immune system. This inflammation can be serious and may require hospitalization or surgery in some cases. Symptoms can begin anywhere from a few weeks to years after starting treatment. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of immune-mediated colitis.

  • New diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Stool (poop) that is black, tarry, sticky or have blood or mucus
  • Severe stomach cramps

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ocrevus Zunovo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ocrevus Zunovo.

  • Ocrevus
  • Ocrevus Zunovo
  • Ocrelizumab
  • Hyaluronidase
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ocrevus Zunovo.

Active Hepatitis B Infection. People who have an active infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) should not receive Ocrevus Zunovo because their bodies will not be able to fight the infection as well, which can lead to serious liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have HBV infection.

Previous Life-Threatening Administration Reaction. People who have had a previous life-threatening administration reaction associated with Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo should not use the medicine again, because they may experience a similar reaction during repeat treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a life-threatening administration reaction to Ocrevus or Ocrevus Zunovo in the past.

What should I know about Ocrevus Zunovo before using it?

Do not use Ocrevus Zunovo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Ocrevus Zunovo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Ocrevus Zunovo is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that is given over about 10 minutes.

If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while you are being treated with Ocrevus Zunovo and for 6 months after your last dose of Ocrevus Zunovo.

Ocrevus Zunovo can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Ocrevus Zunovo affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ocrevus Zunovo?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ocrevus Zunovo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Infection
  • Hepatitis B
  • Inflammatory bowel disease or colitis

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Ocrevus Zunovo. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ocrevus Zunovo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ocrevus Zunovo, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. You should use birth control during treatment with Ocrevus Zunovo and for 6 months after your last dose. It is not known if or how Ocrevus Zunovo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ocrevus Zunovo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Ocrevus Zunovo while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ocrevus Zunovo?

For more information about Ocrevus Zunovo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ocrevus.com or call them at 844-627-3887.

Interactions

Does Ocrevus Zunovo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ocrevus Zunovo and food or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Ocrevus Zunovo and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Ocrevus Zunovo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Ocrevus Zunovo.

  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Other medicines that affect or weaken your immune system, such as daclizumab, fingolimod, natalizumab, teriflunomide, or mitoxantrone

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ocrevus Zunovo. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ocrevus Zunovo?

If you or someone else has used too much Ocrevus Zunovo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ocrevus Zunovo?

Ocrevus Zunovo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital, a clinic, or at home. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Ocrevus Zunovo as scheduled. 

If you miss an appointment to get your Ocrevus Zunovo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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