Ocrevus Zunovo (Ocrelizumab and Hyaluronidase-Ocsq) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Ocrevus Zunovo is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults. It is also indicated for primary progressive MS in adults. To be eligible for treatment, a person must not have active hepatitis B virus infections or a history of severe reactions to ocrelizumab. Ocrevus Zunovo is also known by its drug name, ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq.

Ocrevus Zunovo is a biologic in the CD20-directed cytolytic antibody category. It is a combination of two drugs: ocrelizumab and hyaluronidase-ocsq. Ocrelizumab targets CD20 proteins on certain B cells, reducing the number of these cells, which helps limit the immune system’s attack on the nervous system in MS. Hyaluronidase-ocsq helps increase the absorption of ocrelizumab under the skin, allowing it to be administered as a subcutaneous injection.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Ocrevus Zunovo should be administered by a health care professional as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen. Injections are generally given every six months. A person receiving this treatment generally receives corticosteroids and antihistamines 30 minutes before each injection. The medication should be administered over approximately 10 minutes. It is essential for Ocrevus Zunovo to be administered exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Ocrevus Zunovo in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis include upper respiratory tract infections and injection reactions. In those with primary progressive MS, common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and injection reactions. Injection reactions were observed in about half of all people receiving Ocrevus Zunovo.

Rare but serious side effects may include progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a viral brain infection), malignancies (cancers), immune-mediated colitis (inflammation of the colon), severe allergic reactions, and a reduction in immunoglobulins (proteins that help fight infections). There is also an increased risk of infections, which can be life-threatening.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Ocrevus Zunovo (Ocrelizumab and Hyaluronidase-Ocsq) FDA Approval History — Drugs.com

Ocrevus Zunovo (Ocrelizumab and Hyaluronidase-Ocsq) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — U.S. Food and Drug Administration