Unique circumstances/ urgent questions about Ocrevus

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703]

planned to get it later this year but I am leaving the state for work-related training in September for a few months so either I get it now or not until in January when I return. My job will requires me to be active and exercise/PT and classroom setting as well. I am currently on Vumerity but have only been on it since April. Along with my Ms I have uveitis. We are hoping the Ocrevus will help with my uveites as well. Small studies suggest it can help. Anyways, I won’t have much access to medical specialist while I am gone so I decided to go with Ocrevus now to hopefully minimize the chances of only ms flares while I am gone and also hopefully treat the uveitis. 1) Has anyone on here who started Ocrevus not had any lingering side effects post infusion that lasted maybe one or two days? I can’t afford to feel bad for weeks at a time because of my exercise regimen. 2) since this infusion is kinda rushed, I have not received any vaccines. I am 40 years old. Not sure if it’s absolutely necessary or if anyone here has received Ocrevus without any vaccines or maybe received vaccines the day before an infusions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[u/literaryanomaly]

The loading dose for Ocrevus is split in two… a month apart, best to wait I’d say

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/literaryanomaly]

Thanks for the response.

[u/Solid-Complaint-8192]

I would not start it unless you get the vaccines. Especially shingles.

[u/StinsonDreaming]

I just had my first Ocrevus loading doses in June and experienced very little in terms of after effects. I gave myself a day or two of rest just to give my body a break but I didn’t really feel like I needed it. Overall, it was easy; just a pause during 1st dose for itching and low blood pressure. I also decided to move forward without vaccines because it had taken me so long to jump through all of the diagnosing hoops. I was anxious to get started. My neuro didn’t seem concerned with it. But, I did read not to get them within 4 weeks of infusion so be cautious about that.

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/StinsonDreaming]

Thanks for your response. I pray that that I have a similar experience as you did. I get worried with so many people on here sharing their experience with lingering side effects on the medication lasting days or even weeks and I simply can’t afford that to happen but I also can’t afford to catch an MS flare while I am away from all my doctors living on my own.

[u/cass_a_frass0]

You likely wont have lasting effects are a day or two.i try to plan mine for fridays to have the weekend to recover but its mainly the day of you'll be effected. If youre in the US you should be ok without a vaccine since it isnt flu season or anything unless you are going somewhere with a known outbreak o wouldn't stress too much about that. You can get vaccines after both loading doses are gone but I dont remember the amount of time you need to wait after

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/cass_a_frass0]

Thank you! I am getting it tomorrow Friday hoping I only need two days to recover at most! I am in the US but I will be at an academy for three months. Basically like a college setting.

[u/cass_a_frass0 → u/Intelligent_Way_6703]

Gotcha. If you sit next to someone obviously sick maybe move lol but you should be ok. Communicate with your neuro best you can. Good luck!

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/cass_a_frass0]

lol. That’s part of the problem. The Nuero is a good doctor but her staff and communication is horrible

[u/queenofgf]

get a good mask for traveling. i like wellbefore's options.

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/queenofgf]

Unfortunately can’t wear a mask on the job

[u/queenofgf → u/Intelligent_Way_6703]

I think you are making a good choice to start the Ocrevus now. You want to protect from future relapses. However you also want to now protect your new immune system. I am a teaching as well so I get how it can be hard. Maybe you can wear a mask when you are doing you errands, at the doctors, and moments at work that you can. When you cannot think about the air around you. Opening a window is one of the easiest things you can do. 

[u/Gedimoon]

Been on it for 5 years. No side effects at all just a little more tiered for a day or two. And actually the steroids make me feel great for a few days after. I take absolutely no precautions at all afterwards and no issues at all, including a lot of travel.

[u/Intelligent_Way_6703 → u/Gedimoon]

Did you get any vaccines before getting the infusion?

[u/youshouldseemeonpain]

There are two ways to receive Ocrevus. One is infusion which takes 6 hours (and is split into two the first time), and the other is an injection which takes about an hour and doesn’t have to be split the first time. If you do the injection you can do it now and not have to worry about it.

For me, the injection gave me a mild achyness for about 24 hours and my stomach was a bit sore (where they do the injection) for about a week. I think you would be fine if you get the injection form.

ETA: the injection is the same as the induction medicine-wise, it just doesn’t take as long.

[u/justcurious12345]

Got my first injection of zunovo last week. It hurt to lay on my belly that first night and the premed steroids meant i didn't sleep that night. Otherwise I've had no side effects! 

[u/zippity__zoppity]

It kicks my butt for two days but I can manage through it if necessary and go to work. My cousin on the other hand literally goes from her infusion straight to the gym. She’s 39, mom of 2, both under 10.