Multiple sclerosis (specialist use only)
Immune system and malignant disease
▶BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION
▶Adult: Initially 300 mg, then 300 mg after 2 weeks;
maintenance 600 mg every 6 months, the first
maintenance dose should be given 6 months after the
first initial dose; a minimum interval of 5 months
should be maintained between each maintenance dose,
for dose interruption, adjustment of infusion rate or
discontinuation of treatment due to infusion-related
reactions or side-effects—consult product literature
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Active infection. active
malignancies. severely immunocompromised patients
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Complete required vaccinations at least 6 weeks
before treatment initiation. hepatitis B reactivation
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Manufacturer advises to record the batch number after
each administration.
l HANDLING AND STORAGE Manufacturer advises store in a
refrigerator (2–8°C)—consult product literature for further
information regarding storage conditions after preparation
of the infusion.
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NICE decisions
▶Ocrelizumab for treating relapsing–remitting multiple
sclerosis (July 2018) NICE TA533
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus ®) is recommended as an option for
treating relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in adults
with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features,
only if:
. alemtuzumab is contra-indicated or otherwise
unsuitable, and
. the manufacturer provides ocrelizumab according to the
commercial arrangement.
Patients whose treatment was started within the NHS
before this guidance was published should have the option
to continue treatment, without change to their funding
arrangements, until they and their NHS clinician consider
it appropriate to stop.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta533
▶Ocrelizumab for treating primary progressive multiple
Immune system and malignant disease
sclerosis (June 2019) NICE TA585
Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus ®) is recommended, within its
marketing authorisation, as an option for treating early
primary progressive multiple sclerosis with imaging
features characteristic of inflammatory activity in adults. It
is recommended only if the manufacturer provides it
according to the commercial arrangement.
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta585
Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions
SMC No. SMC2121
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (December
2018) that ocrelizumab (Ocrevus ®) is accepted for
restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of
relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in adults with active
disease defined by clinical or imaging features who are
contra-indicated or otherwise unsuitable for
alemtuzumab. This advice is contingent upon the
continuing availability of the patient access scheme in
NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.
SMC No. SMC2223
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (January
2020) that ocrelizumab (Ocrevus ®) is accepted for use
within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adults with early
primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in terms of
disease duration and level of disability, and with imaging
features characteristic of inflammatory activity. This
advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of
the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price
that is equivalent or lower.
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