Name of the Procedure:

Injection, ocrelizumab, 1 mg (C9494)

Common name(s): Ocrelizumab Injection
Technical or medical term: Intravenous administration of ocrelizumab

Summary

Ocrelizumab Injection is a medical procedure where a medication called ocrelizumab is administered intravenously. Ocrelizumab is an immunosuppressive drug used primarily to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). This procedure involves delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV.

Purpose

Ocrelizumab Injection is used to:

• Treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
• Reduce the frequency of relapses.
• Slow the progression of physical disability associated with MS.

Indications

• Patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or primary progressive MS (PPMS).
• Those experiencing frequent relapses or progression of disability despite other treatments.

Preparation

• Patients may need to undergo blood tests to check liver function and rule out infections.
• Pre-medication with steroids, antihistamines, and antipyretics to reduce infusion-related reactions.
• Patients should inform their doctor about any other medications they are taking and any known allergies.

Procedure Description

1. The patient arrives at the healthcare facility.
2. A healthcare professional inserts an IV line into the patient’s vein.
3. Premedication is administered to prevent infusion reactions.
4. Ocrelizumab is diluted and infused slowly through the IV line.
5. The procedure is monitored closely for any adverse reactions.

Tools/Equipment: IV line, infusion pump, premedication drugs. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required, but premedication may include steroids or antihistamines.

Duration

The initial infusion takes about 2.5 hours. Subsequent infusions may take about 3.5 hours.

Setting

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Infusion center

Personnel

• Nurses specialized in infusion therapy
• Pharmacists to prepare the medication
• Physicians overseeing the treatment

Risks and Complications

Common risks:

• Infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, rash, shortness of breath) Rare risks:
• Increased risk of infections
• Potential liver function changes
• Possible PML (a rare brain infection)

Benefits

• Reduction in the number and severity of MS relapses.
• Slowing of disability progression.
• Improvement in overall quality of life for MS patients. Benefits might be realized within months of starting treatment.

Recovery

• Patients are monitored for a few hours post-infusion for any adverse reactions.
• Mild fatigue or flu-like symptoms may occur.
• Normal activities can often be resumed the next day, with few restrictions.
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor health and response to treatment.

Alternatives

• Other MS treatments such as interferons, glatiramer acetate, and oral medications (e.g., fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate).
• Pros: Different modes of administration, varying side effect profiles.
• Cons: May not be as effective for certain types of MS or may have different side effects.

Patient Experience

During:

• Patients may feel a brief sting or discomfort when the IV is inserted.
• They can relax and occupy themselves during the infusion (reading, watching TV). After:
• Mild fatigue and flu-like symptoms may occur.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
• Comfort measures include warm blankets and hydration.